China urged Iran on Wednesday to pursue diplomacy and avoid renewed conflict in the Middle East, as Beijing positions itself as a key mediator ahead of a high-stakes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During talks in Beijing with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged all sides to continue negotiations.
Beijing also pushed for the swift reopening of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor that has faced severe disruptions during the conflict. Iran’s official summary of the meeting, however, did not mention that issue.
The visit marked Araghchi’s first trip to China since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran in February and comes days before Trump’s scheduled visit to Beijing. Chinese state media emphasized that Beijing initiated the invitation, signaling the strategic importance China places on the meeting.
Analysts say both countries are attempting to strengthen their negotiating positions ahead of the Trump-Xi summit. Tehran is seeking diplomatic backing and assurances over oil exports and financial access, while Beijing is focused on stabilizing Gulf trade routes and preventing economic shocks tied to prolonged instability.
China, the world’s largest importer of Gulf energy, has repeatedly called for commercial shipping to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the waterway, though traffic has slowed sharply in recent weeks.
The meeting also comes amid growing friction between Washington and Beijing over Iran-related sanctions. China recently pushed back against U.S. penalties targeting Chinese refiners accused of purchasing Iranian oil, escalating tensions ahead of the leaders’ summit.
Observers say Trump’s upcoming trip to China could be critical for easing broader tensions and securing economic commitments from Beijing, but continued confrontation over Iran may complicate those efforts.
