China has underlined its support for, and friendship with, Iran in the context of the current tense situation caused by externally instigated and fuelled riots and attempts at destabilisation, which are in turn used as the pretext for threatening the country with overt external aggression.
In a January 15 phone call with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi explained that the recent unrest in his county was incited by external forces and that the situation has now stabilised. He said that Iran is prepared to respond to external interference, while keeping the door open for dialogue, and expressed hope that China will play a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Wang Yi said that China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one’s own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the law of the jungle. China believes that the Iranian government and people will stand united, overcome difficulties, maintain national stability and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests. He reiterated China’s willingness to play a constructive role in the current situation.
The following article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Useful background can be found in this interview of Professor Seyed Marandi with George Galloway.
On January 15, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the situation in Iran, stressing that the recent unrest in Iran was incited by external forces and that the situation has now stabilized. He said that Iran is prepared to respond to external interference, while keeping the door open for dialogue, and expressed hope that China will play a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Wang Yi stated that China consistently advocates for adherence to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one’s own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the law of the jungle. China believes that the Iranian government and people will stand united, overcome difficulties, maintain national stability and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests. Wang Yi expressed hope that all parties will cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialogue. China is ready to play a constructive role to this end.
