Iran Archives - Friends of Socialist China

Oman Sultan, Iran and Saudi envoys visit China

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Al Said of Oman paid a state visit to China from November 1 to 2. This was the first China visit by an Omani head of state since diplomatic ties were established 48 years ago in 1978.

Ding Long, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told Global Times that with tensions mounting in the Strait of Hormuz, and Oman, which has been a long-standing active mediator in regional disputes, coming under pressure as well, the visit reflects the country’s efforts to strengthen strategic support and enhance diplomatic autonomy.

Oman is the only member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to consistently maintain positive relations with Iran, and it has played a pivotal role in regional diplomacy, including hosting rounds of talks between Iran and the United States. Its peaceful policy has earned at least one threat from US President Donald Trump to bomb the country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Al Said on November 2. He said that China stands ready to work with Oman to steer their strategic partnership to a higher level, and to help restore peace and realise lasting stability in the Middle East at an early date. China and Oman, he added, should enhance political mutual trust and strengthen exchanges of experience in national governance, while expressing China’s support for Oman in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, security and stability, and in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions. And China, he said, is ready to deepen the synergy of development strategies with Oman and to be a stable and reliable partner in the energy sector, a partner with promising potential in investment, and a partner in fostering innovation in advanced technologies.

“China has been actively committed to ending hostilities and promoting peace, aiming to contribute its wisdom and solutions to resolving the regional security predicament,” Xi said, adding that China will continue to advocate resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, and support regional countries in building a common home of good-neighbourliness, development, security and cooperation.

Stressing that China has been Oman’s largest trading partner for many years and Chinese enterprises’ investment in Oman has kept growing, Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik said his country is ready to synergise development strategies with China and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, industry, infrastructure, AI, science and technology, and other fields. He said Oman highly appreciates China’s just position on the Middle East issue and stands ready to maintain close coordination with China to uphold international law, advocate for the peaceful resolution of disputes, and jointly promote security and stability in the region and beyond.

Later that day, Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Li said the talks between the two heads of state earlier that morning mapped out a new blueprint for further deepening the China-Oman strategic partnership. He expressed China’s willingness to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Oman, deepen cooperation across the entire oil and gas industry chain, and carry out more high-quality clean energy projects and called on both sides to expand cooperation in areas such as agriculture and fisheries, aerospace satellites, information and communication, and artificial intelligence, and promote the early conclusion of the free trade agreement negotiations between China and the GCC. He stressed that China and Oman, both Global South countries, should maintain close communication and coordination in multilateral affairs to jointly safeguard world peace and stability.

Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik said Oman deeply admires China’s development achievements, which have attracted attention worldwide. Oman looks forward to learning from China’s development experience and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Oman is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China in international and regional affairs and to contribute to resolving conflicts and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

In a potentially significant but under-reported related development, also on November 2, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met separately with the Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the National Security Advisor of Saudi Arabia.

Meeting with Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Bagheri Kani, Wang Yi stated that China-Iran relations have maintained steady development despite a volatile international landscape. This serves the fundamental interests of both peoples and reflects the aspirations of Global South countries for solidarity and cooperation. China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security and is willing to work with Iran to further advance bilateral relations.

Ali Bagheri Kani briefed Wang Yi on Iran’s views concerning the regional situation, stating that Iran would firmly safeguard its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and resist power politics and threats. Iran is also willing to engage in talks and negotiations with all parties and work actively for regional peace and stability. The Iranian side appreciates the initiatives and proposals put forward by President Xi Jinping and China’s consistent commitment to multilateralism. Iran looks forward to China playing a greater role in international and regional peace. Iran stands ready to promote the steady development of bilateral ties and to strengthen cooperation with China in international and multilateral frameworks.

In his meeting with Wang Yi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and National Security Advisor Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban handed over a letter from Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to President Xi Jinping regarding the development of China-Saudi bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern.

Wang Yi said that the current regional situation has once again reached a critical crossroads between war and peace. Although the road to peace is not smooth, it is necessary to keep moving forward. He hoped that all parties would resolve disputes and end the conflict through dialogue and negotiation, safeguarding regional energy and shipping security. China believes that countries in the region should enhance understanding, rebuild mutual trust, improve relations, and live harmoniously, promoting the construction of a new regional security framework that serves the long-term interests of their peoples through consultation.

Twelve countries warn against normalising attacks on peaceful nuclear sites

China, Cuba, Russia, Nicaragua and others have joined Iran in a strong statement responding to repeated US and Israeli attacks – and continuing threats – against Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities.

Delivered at the UN General Assembly’s First Committee, the joint statement by Belarus, Burkina Faso, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Zimbabwe warns that attacks against nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards “must never be accepted as normal”, violating international law and threatening nuclear safety and global non-proliferation efforts. The signatories reaffirm “the inalienable right of all states to develop research, production, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination”.

This principle lies at the heart of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which has three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament by the nuclear-armed states, and the sharing of peaceful nuclear technology. For decades, the West has demanded that Iran observe its end of the bargain while systematically violating its own: sanctioning legitimate civilian nuclear development, sabotaging equipment, assassinating nuclear scientists, and bombing safeguarded facilities.

Recognising Iran’s right to civilian nuclear power is an essential component of any lasting peace.

China and Russia veto bid to pressure Iran

An attempt by the United States, supported by Britain and France, to further misuse the United Nations to put pressure on Iran suffered a setback on September 17 when China and Russia vetoed a proposed extension to the mandate of the UN Security Council’s Panel of Experts on Iran. Pakistan and Somalia abstained on the vote.

The New York Times reported: “Fu Cong, China’s UN ambassador, urged Council members to avoid ‘double standards, political manipulation, pressure and confrontation’. It added that he described the US decisions to pull out of a 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and to wage war against the country this year were ‘at the root of the current crisis’.”

The New York Times added: “The latest confrontation at the UN came the day after a high-level meeting between the foreign ministers of China and Iran in Beijing, at a time when Mr. Trump appears to be running out of options on Iran.”

Iran’s Press TV reported that the country’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that the “unipolar order” has ended after China and Russia rejected the political abuse of the UN Security Council by the United States and its allies.

In a post on X, Qalibaf added: “China and Russia’s vetoes rejected the political abuse of the Security Council and reaffirmed the rule of law. We must defend multilateralism; unilateralism serves no one’s interests.”

Iran’s UN mission said China and Russia have “once again stood firmly in defence of the UN Charter, international law, and the integrity of the Council” and prevented “yet another cynical attempt by the United States and its allies to abuse the Security Council for their political purposes”. Iran expressed its deep appreciation to them for their “consistent and principled positions and decisive actions today”. The mission also commended Somalia and Pakistan for their “valuable positions and abstentions”.

Iranian Foreign Minister: Tehran is fully prepared to deepen strategic coordination with Beijing

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Beijing on September 16 and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry reports that Wang Yi stated that the current situation in the Middle East remains turbulent, seriously affecting international peace and development. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is willing to play a constructive role in resolving international disputes. China and Iran are comprehensive strategic partners, and China is also willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Iran to safeguard Iran’s legitimate rights and interests. The continuation of the US-Iran war does not serve the common interests of the parties involved or the international community. We encourage Iran and the United States to remain rational and restrained, to return to the Memorandum of Understanding agreed in Islamabad as soon as possible, restructure negotiation mechanisms based on the consensus reached so far and conduct substantive consultations on issues of mutual concern. We support Iran’s dialogue with Gulf countries, respect for each other’s territorial sovereignty and national security, and safeguarding regional common interests in a constructive manner.

Wang further pointed out that the current situation once again proves that the existing security framework in the Middle East is not yet complete and needs reform and strengthening. During his visit to Egypt, President Xi Jinping put forward four proposals to support regional countries in upholding a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept and building a new security architecture for the Middle East. We welcome beneficial exploration by regional countries on this topic. On Middle East issues, as a responsible major power, China will continue to contribute to peace and stability, to promoting peace talks, and to fairness and justice.

Araghchi briefed Wang Yi on the latest situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region and Iran’s next steps, stating that Iran does not want the conflict to continue and hopes to return to diplomatic resolution channels while firmly safeguarding its own interests. Iran believes the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding remains valid, Iran has reached a plan with Oman to open the Strait of Hormuz, and the US should fulfil all its commitments. Iran is also willing to engage in dialogue and consultation with regional countries, establish and develop good-neighbourly and friendly relations, and promote the early restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region. Iran welcomes and supports President Xi Jinping’s four propositions for maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and the four initiatives for promoting regional common security. It is willing to strengthen cooperation with China within this framework and looks forward to China playing a greater role in regional peace and stability.

The Tehran Times reported that Araghchi expressed strong support for President Xi Jinping’s landmark proposals on safeguarding peace in the Middle East, declaring that Tehran is fully prepared to deepen strategic coordination with Beijing to build a sustainable regional security framework.

The English language Iranian daily reported that: “Amid China’s consistent contributions to regional and global peace and stability, Araghchi’s call for a greater Beijing-led role further underscores the diplomatic significance of his visit.

“This is the second time that the Iranian foreign minister has paid an official visit to China since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in late February. Araghchi last visited China in May, shortly before a trip by President Donald Trump to the country. Araghchi’s Wednesday visit comes ahead of the upcoming trip by President Xi to the US, where he will meet Trump.

“China is a trusted partner not only for Iran but also for other countries in the Middle East, in addition to maintaining open communication channels with Washington.

“When viewed alongside China’s principled stance during the Iran-US war, its emphasis on prioritising dialogue over confrontation, the two four-point initiatives put forward by President Xi, and his latest call for a ‘due role’ in resolving the conflict through BRICS, the significance of Araghchi’s trip becomes even clearer.”

The Tehran Times concluded: “By offering visionary peace initiatives and standing firmly against unilateralism and hegemony, Beijing provides a vital pillar of support for independent nations confronting external aggression. This diplomatic momentum underscores China’s constructive leadership and its contribution to advancing lasting security, development, and peace in the region.”

For its part, the Palestine Chronicle noted that Araghchi had stressed Iran’s strategic partnership with China and said that decisions being taken amid current regional developments would have “enormous repercussions.” It added:

“Against this backdrop, Tehran and Beijing have intensified diplomatic coordination, with Iran presenting China as an important strategic partner in shaping the political response to the war and its wider economic consequences.

“Araghchi said the choices being made during the current period would extend beyond the immediate crisis, affecting the future balance of power and political arrangements across the region.”

China and Pakistan coordinate closely for peace

With the situation in West Asia remaining volatile, China and Pakistan are maintaining their close liaison with a view to expediting the peace process.

On the evening of June 24, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Dar extended warm congratulations on the upcoming 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and expressed Pakistan’s admiration for the extraordinary achievements China has made under the leadership of the party. He briefed Wang on the latest developments in the new round of negotiations between Iran and the United States and expressed appreciation for China’s firm support for Pakistan’s peace mediation efforts. Dar noted that the four-point proposition put forward by President Xi Jinping on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, and the five-point initiative jointly proposed by Pakistan and China on peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region, have played an important role in de-escalating the situation.

Wang Yi thanked Pakistan for promptly briefing China on the new round of Iran-US negotiations and noted that the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the US is the result of the joint efforts of the international community, with Pakistan playing a key and unique role. The peace process has just begun, and there is still a long and possibly tortuous and difficult road ahead. However, China will continue to support Pakistan and other like-minded countries in playing a constructive role and stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with Pakistan.

He pointed out that the next phase should focus on three priorities:

Consolidate the comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, and by no means allow the flames of war to reignite.
Restore normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible to ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
Support Middle Eastern countries in improving relations with each other as soon as possible and exploring a new regional security architecture. The Middle East, including the Gulf region, should no longer become an arena for major power rivalry or a victim of geopolitical maneuvering. Countries in the region should uphold genuine strategic autonomy and take their destiny firmly into their own hands.

Wang further emphasised that the crux of the Middle East issue remains the Palestinian question. China calls on regional countries to form a more united voice and take more coordinated actions in this regard.

Wang Yi meets with Iranian security official

At the invitation of India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attended the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security, which was held in the Indian capital New Delhi from June 22-23.

Among the first of Wang Yi’s reported bilateral meetings in New Delhi was that with the Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Qadir Nizamipour.

Wang Yi stated that China welcomes the launch of follow-up consultations – with the assistance of Pakistan and Qatar – between Iran and the United States based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries. The core provisions of the 14-point MoU are hard-won. These provisions clearly call for an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities, refraining from the use or threat of force, mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. These elements embody the spirit of equality, align with the purposes of the UN Charter, and conform to the norms governing international relations. China, as a comprehensive strategic partner of Iran, has always maintained a fair position and supported all efforts conducive to peace, supported Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, and supported Iran in improving relations with the Gulf countries and regional countries. China is willing to continue to provide assistance in its own way and play a constructive role in restoring regional peace and tranquility at an early date.

Qadir Nizamipour sincerely thanked the Chinese side for its persistent efforts to promote peace and halt the war, and highly commended President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. He stated that China-Iran relations are of great importance. Iran has always attached great importance to its relations with China and highly appreciates the positive role China has played in international and regional affairs. Deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries is the consensus of all sectors in Iran.

Two roads for the world: notes from “Imperialism vs multipolarity” webinar

On 21 June, Friends of Socialist China and the International Manifesto Group co-hosted a webinar, “Imperialism vs multipolarity”, bringing together a distinguished international panel to discuss the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, the tariff and Iran wars, US military aggression across the Global South, and the emerging shape of the world order.

The discussion was moderated by Radhika Desai (Professor at the University of Manitoba and convenor of the International Manifesto Group), and brought together Ben Norton (founder and editor-in-chief of Geopolitical Economy Report); Cheng Enfu (President of the World Association for Political Economy), whose paper was presented by Professor Ding Xiaoqin; Ken Hammond (Professor of History at New Mexico State University and a founder of Pivot to Peace); Jacquie Luqman (coordinator with the Black Alliance for Peace); Mick Dunford (Emeritus Professor at the University of Sussex); Mike Klonsky (educator, author and veteran activist); Jenny Clegg (author of China’s Global Strategy: Towards a Multipolar World); and Carlos Martinez (co-editor of Friends of Socialist China).

The full livestream can be viewed at the end of this article, below our report of the discussion.

Beijing and Tehran coordinate as Iran scores major victory over US imperialism

With the patient mediation of Pakistan, Iran and the United States of America agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 14-15. This represents a significant victory for the government and people of Iran in their courageous struggle against US imperialism and its various proxies, including the Israeli Zionist regime, not only since the launch of the unprovoked war of aggression on February 28, 2026, but also since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in January 1978 and for decades before that.

Key points of the MoU include:

The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war by signing this MoU, declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon.
The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.
The United States of America further undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal.
Upon the signing of this MoU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa… The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States of America undertakes with regional partners to develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, i.e. IAEA Board of Governors resolutions and all unilateral US sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed-upon schedule as part of the final deal.
Pending the final deal, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree to maintain the status quo. The Islamic Republic of Iran will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program, and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions and will not deploy additional forces in the region.
The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of this MoU until the termination of sanctions, the US Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc.
The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of this MoU.
The final deal will be endorsed by a binding UN Security Council resolution.
The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.
The United States of America further undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal.
Upon the signing of this MoU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa… The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States of America undertakes with regional partners to develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, i.e. IAEA Board of Governors resolutions and all unilateral US sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed-upon schedule as part of the final deal.
Pending the final deal, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree to maintain the status quo. The Islamic Republic of Iran will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program, and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions and will not deploy additional forces in the region.
The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of this MoU until the termination of sanctions, the US Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc.
The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of this MoU.
The final deal will be endorsed by a binding UN Security Council resolution.

(Emphases added by us – Eds.)

As the New York Times observed:

“It was less than 15 weeks ago when President Trump, at the height of his bravado about how the war with Iran would end, declared ‘there will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.’

“When the text of the deal intended to wind down the conflict was finally released on Wednesday, read aloud paragraph by paragraph by a senior administration official who stopped to defend each section, it read nothing like a surrender document. Instead, the Iranians emerged from a confrontation with the world’s most powerful military having not only survived, but with much to celebrate.”

Following the agreement, on June 17, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi.

Seyyed Abbas Araghchi briefed Wang Yi on the first-phase memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Iran and the United States and expressed sincere gratitude to China for its positive role in advancing the negotiations and concluding the agreement. He stated that the MoU should be implemented practically, including Israel’s halt to military operations against Lebanon. Iran consistently views its relations with China from a strategic perspective and looks forward to deepening mutual trust, expanding cooperation across all sectors, and jointly advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Wang Yi said China welcomes the conclusion of the first-phase MoU between Iran and the United States. Facts have proven that force and power politics cannot resolve disputes, and dialogue and negotiation represent the right path forward. As comprehensive strategic partners, China has always stood by Iran’s reasonable and legitimate propositions, supported Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, backed mediation efforts by Pakistan and the international community, and consistently worked in China’s own way to end hostilities and promote peace. The dawn of peace has emerged. The priority going forward is for all parties to deliver earnestly on their commitments and fend off disturbances from all sides. China supports Iran’s efforts to improve relations with regional countries and explore the joint development of a regional security architecture.

Meanwhile, in Tehran, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stressed that Tehran is a “full-fledged” partner of China, emphasising the pivotal role the two countries would play in any emerging regional bloc.

Qalibaf, who also serves as Iran’s special representative for China affairs, made the remarks during a meeting with the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the Islamic Republic’s significant potential to expand economic cooperation across the region and beyond.

“China is a unique country for us. We must, through our actions and approach, create the belief on the Chinese side (and they will believe) that Iran is not just a customer, but a full-fledged, reliable, and long-term partner for China,” Qalibaf said.

Iran’s Press TV noted: “Iran and China signed a landmark 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in March 2022, despite unilateral sanctions imposed on both countries by the United States.

“The agreement formally outlines long-term cooperation between Tehran and Beijing across political, cultural, security, defence, regional and international spheres, while reinforcing the Iran-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

On the evening of June 16, Wang Yi had held a telephone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar briefed Wang Yi on the first-phase memorandum of understanding reached between Iran and the United States, and thanked China for maintaining close communication with Pakistan over the past few months and for its valuable support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Pakistan looks forward to continuing communication and coordination with China, sustaining the current momentum of peace talks, and jointly playing an active role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Wang Yi congratulated Pakistan on facilitating the first-phase MoU between Iran and the United States and stressed that working for peace is the international responsibility of all countries, including China and Pakistan. As long as there is hope for peace, it is worth the effort.

Wang Yi noted that the last leg of a journey marks the halfway point. The current consensus is far from an endpoint; it is a new starting point. Lasting peace in the Middle East and Gulf region still requires unremitting efforts from all parties. It is foreseeable that the second-phase negotiations will be even more difficult than the first phase. However, China believes that there should be no turning back, still less a resort to force again. The international community should provide further impetus to the Iran-US negotiations, and multilateral institutions such as the UN Security Council should also play a greater role. The Middle East has suffered greatly from the scourge of war, and its people deserve peace. China is ready to work with Pakistan to tirelessly promote peace and facilitate talks, and to make sustained efforts for the early restoration of peace, stability and development in the Middle East.

For his part, Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue has begun a tour of regional countries to further the drive for peace.

From June 13-14, he visited Oman where he held separate meetings with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi and Undersecretary for Political Affairs of the Omani Foreign Ministry Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy and exchanged views on China-Oman bilateral relations and the current situation in the Middle East.

Zhai said that following the outbreak of the military conflict among the United States, Israel and Iran, China has maintained close communication with Oman and other Gulf countries in the Middle East to promote de-escalation and end hostilities. Guided by the spirit of the four-point proposal put forward by President Xi Jinping for safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, China aims to support regional countries in building a community of good-neighbourliness, development, security and cooperation.

He then visited Qatar, June 15-16.

During a meeting with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, the minister of state at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhai said China welcomed the United States and Iran reaching agreement on a first-stage memorandum of understanding and praised Qatar and other countries for their efforts to end hostilities and seek peace. He called on all parties to adhere to the path of peace and resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiations.

Al-Khulaifi praised China’s efforts to ease regional tensions and said Qatar was ready to work with Beijing to safeguard security and stability in the Gulf region.

Iranian Foreign Minister visits Beijing

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi visited China on May 6 for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in the Iran-US negotiations and Iran’s next steps, stating that facts have proven that political crises cannot be resolved through military means. Iran will resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty and national dignity while continuously building consensus through peaceful negotiations to seek a comprehensive and permanent solution. Currently, the issue of opening the Strait of Hormuz could be promptly addressed. Iran highly appreciates and agrees with the four propositions put forward by President Xi Jinping [during his recent meeting with the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates {UAE}] on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the region. Iran commends China for always standing on the right side of history and making unremitting efforts with a constructive attitude to prevent the situation from deteriorating and spilling over. Iran trusts China and looks forward to China continuing to play an active role in promoting peace and ending the conflict and supports the establishment of a new post-war regional framework that can coordinate development and security.

The Iranian Foreign Minister added that his country is willing to take the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year as an opportunity to strengthen exchanges at all levels, tap into cooperation potential, provide firm mutual support, and deepen all-round cooperation. Iran is also willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China in multilateral affairs and continuously deepen the Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang Yi reiterated China’s principled position on the situation in Iran, emphasising that China has been actively promoting peace and facilitating talks since the outbreak of hostilities. President Xi Jinping solemnly put forward four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, which has received a positive response from the international community. The current regional situation is at a critical juncture between war and peace. China believes that a comprehensive ceasefire is of utmost urgency, that resuming hostilities is even less acceptable, and that adhering to negotiations is particularly important. China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security and appreciates Iran’s willingness to seek a political solution through diplomatic channels. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the international community shares a common concern about restoring normal and safe passage through the strait, and China hopes that the parties involved will promptly respond to the strong call from the international community. [In this regard it should be noted above that Araghchi said that this issue could be promptly addressed, whereas the same day, US President Donald Trump boasted that, “the blockade will remain in full force and effect.” Iran has consistently stressed that the Strait remains open to all but the US aggressors and their allies.]

China sets out position on Palestine and Strait of Hormuz at UN

Chinese Ambassador to the UN Fu Cong has reiterated China’s clear positions on the rights of the Palestinian people and on the present situation in the Strait of Hormuz at open debates in the Security Council held on consecutive days.

Speaking on April 28, Fu Cong said:

“The Palestinian question has always been at the heart of the Middle East issue and must not be marginalised under any circumstances. For decades, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has revolved in cycles. Its fundamental crux is that the two-State solution is only half-realised. The State of Israel was established long ago, while the State of Palestine remains out of reach. Although intense clashes have come to a halt, the Palestinian people are still forced to keep company with death and suffering, the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories continues to worsen, and the foundation of the two-State solution risks being completely hollowed out. Turmoil and war are not the fate of the Palestinian people. The international community must summon the greatest sense of urgency to reverse this negative trajectory and rectify the historic injustice endured by Palestine.”

He went on to make three points:

Gaza is not a permanent battlefield, and the suffering of its civilians must cease immediately. While efforts by the international community to broker a ceasefire in Gaza are welcome, the most pressing task remains cementing the ceasefire and scaling up aid. Since October last year, Israel has relentlessly mounted attacks and fortified its military presence, resulting in over 800 fatalities and more than 2,000 wounded. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, characterised by scarcity of essential supplies, deplorable sanitary conditions, and a medical system teetering on the precipice of total collapse. Israel must fulfill its international humanitarian law obligations, dismantle all barriers to humanitarian access, and guarantee that UNRWA [the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] and other humanitarian agencies can carry out their aid work.

Settlement activities are unacceptable, and tensions in the West Bank must be deescalated. Israel is currently accelerating the expansion of settlements, having recently approved the construction of 34 additional settlements and initiating the rebuilding of the Sanur settlement, which had been shuttered for many years. The escalating violence in the West Bank is equally concerning. Settler violence is intensifying, and the occupying power frequently conducts searches, arrests, and raids, even promulgating death penalty legislation specifically targeting Palestinians. Israel must heed the strong appeals of the international community, immediately halt illegal settlement activities, effectively curb settler violence, and ensure robust accountability for all attacks.

The two-State solution is non-negotiable, and the independent statehood of Palestine must be supported. It is deeply concerning that voices opposing the two-State solution continue to come from Israel, with some even threatening to strangle the idea of a Palestinian state. The international community must increase support for Palestine to advance the early establishment of a fully sovereign and independent state of Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The previous day, Fu Cong made remarks on the Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain in which he said:

Chinese lawyers condemn US and Israel

The Chinese Society of International Law has issued a powerful statement on April 25 opposing the illegal use of force by the United States and Israel, citing the examples of Venezuela and Iran.

The statement notes that Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter establishes the fundamental principle under international law of the prohibition of the use of force: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”

It further notes that on January 3 this year, the United States “blatantly launched a military strike against Venezuela, forcibly seized Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and removed them to the United States. There is no lawful justification for this US military operation… It has brutally trampled on international law and the basic norms of international relations and must be rectified as soon as possible.”

Turning to Iran, it says: “The joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel have targeted multiple cities and regions including the capital Tehran. These actions constitute the use of force prohibited by international law, amount to an armed attack against and invasion of Iran and violate the rule under international law regarding the personal inviolability of heads of State. The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran finds no basis in international law; it is a serious illegal act and must cease immediately.”

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

The Chinese Society of International Law on Saturday issued a statement on upholding international law and opposing the illegal use of force.

The statement said that in recent months, there have been grave instances of illegal use of force in Latin America and the Middle East. It solemnly condemns the illegal acts of the United States and Israel, and believes that it is necessary to reaffirm the imperative of observing the Charter of the United Nations (the Charter) and international law in order to effectively safeguard international peace and security.

The statement added that the Charter constitutes the legal cornerstone of the post-World War II international order. Article 2(4) of the Charter establishes the fundamental principle under international law of the prohibition of the use of force: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.” “Territorial integrity” means “the inviolability of territory.” The Charter expressly provides for only two exceptions to this prohibition of the use of force: actions authorized by the United Nations Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter and the exercise of the inherent right of self-defense of States referred to in Article 51 of the Charter.

The statement said that on Jan. 3 this year, the United States blatantly launched a military strike against Venezuela, forcibly seized Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and removed them to the United States. There is no lawful justification for this U.S. military operation. It seriously violates the principle prohibiting the use of force, severely infringes on Venezuela’s territorial sovereignty, and grossly breaches the rule under international law regarding the personal inviolability and immunity of heads of State. It has brutally trampled on international law and the basic norms of international relations and must be rectified as soon as possible.

The statement further stressed that on Feb. 28 this year, the United States and Israel initiated large-scale military strikes against Iran. The armed conflict in the Middle East has continued to this date. The joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel have targeted multiple cities and regions including the capital Tehran. These actions constitute the use of force prohibited by international law, amount to an armed attack against and invasion of Iran, and violate the rule under international law regarding the personal inviolability of heads of State. The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran finds no basis in international law; it is a serious illegal act and must cease immediately. Furthermore, the attacks on Iranian civilians and civilian objects, including schools, hospitals and energy facilities, also seriously violate international humanitarian law.

The statement called on all States, especially major States with special responsibilities and influence in international affairs, to abide by international law, practice international rule of law, and settle international disputes peacefully. It called on all States to resolutely oppose the illegal use of force in international relations, maintain international peace and security, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

China gives emergency aid to Iran

China has decided to provide 58 tons of emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran. This was announced on April 15 by Ambassador Cong Peiwu at the headquarters of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS).

Cong said China and Iran are good friends and partners with a long-standing friendship between their peoples. He added that China has always been concerned about the Iranian people, noting that China’s assistance reflects its commitment to international humanitarian obligations and the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.

IRCS President Pirhossein Kolivand expressed appreciation for China’s continued support and assistance to Iran in difficult times and for firmly supporting Iran in bilateral and multilateral occasions, emphasising that the friendship between the two countries has grown stronger over time. He also noted China’s earlier humanitarian donation following the US attack on the girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, in which some 175 civilians, the majority of them young schoolgirls, were murdered.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

TEHRAN, April 17 (Xinhua) — China has decided to provide 58 tons of emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, a Chinese envoy said recently.

At the headquarters of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu announced the decision during a signing ceremony for the handover certificates of China’s emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran on Wednesday, which was also attended by IRCS President Pirhossein Kolivand.

He said that since the outbreak of the conflict, China has been working to promote regional peace and end hostilities, and will continue to work with the international community to support peace and stability in the Middle East.

Kolivand expressed appreciation for China’s continued support and assistance to Iran in difficult times and for firmly supporting Iran in bilateral and multilateral occasions, emphasizing that the friendship between the two countries has grown stronger over time. He also noted China’s earlier humanitarian donation following an attack on a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran.

He said that the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have caused extensive damage to over 137,000 infrastructure facilities, including airports, fuel storage facilities, bridges, and railways, all of which violate international humanitarian law.

Xi Jinping proposes four-point plan to safeguard and promote Middle East peace and stability

Chinese President Xi Jinping has advanced four propositions aimed at safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

He outlined these at an April 14 meeting in Beijing with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates, UAE).

Xi Jinping stressed China’s principled position of promoting peace and facilitating talks and reiterated his country’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in this regard. His four-point proposition stresses:

Stay committed to the principle of peaceful coexistence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are close neighbours that cannot move away. It’s important to support the Gulf states in improving their ties, work to build a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture of the Middle East and the Gulf region, and consolidate the foundation for peaceful coexistence.

Stay committed to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated.

Stay committed to the principle of international rule of law. We should safeguard the authority of international rule of law, reject selective application, and prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle. It is important to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Stay committed to a balanced approach to development and security. Security is a prerequisite for development and development serves as a safeguard of security.

The previous day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had met with the Special Envoy of the UAE President to China Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, who was accompanying Al Nahyan.

Also on April 13, Wang Yi had a phone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Dar gave a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States and expressed appreciation for China’s endeavours to promote peace. Pakistan stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China and jointly play a positive role in realising peace in the region.

Wang reiterated China’s principled position and commended Pakistan for facilitating a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran and for hosting the Islamabad talks, noting that Pakistan has played a fair and balanced mediating role. He said that the current ceasefire remains highly fragile and the regional situation is at a critical turning point. The pressing priority is to do everything possible to prevent the resumption of hostilities and sustain the hard-won momentum of the ceasefire. The international community should step up efforts to promote peace talks and unequivocally oppose any actions that undermine the ceasefire and escalate confrontation. The Five-Point Initiative of China and Pakistan for Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region reflects the consensus of the international community on promoting peace and can continue to serve as a direction for efforts toward resolving the issue. The Chinese side is pleased to see Pakistan play a greater role and stands ready to work with Pakistan and the rest of the international community to continue making positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.

China and the Iran war: creating an environment for peace

In the following article, which was originally published in the Morning Star, Jenny Clegg addresses some of the frequently raised questions regarding China’s stand and role in the context of the current US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

She notes that one should be clear that, “Donald Trump’s strategy has China in its sights. The 2025 US National Security Strategy with its focus on the western hemisphere was thought to shift US strategy from the IndoPacific — in fact the “Donroe” block on Chinese investment in Latin America specifically aimed to shatter the BRICS.”

The current Israeli-US actions, Jenny argues, are dictated by the fact that, “their plans for regional and global hegemony respectively were on the line.

“In June 2025, a new phase of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) opened with the inauguration of the Iran-China Railway. This direct connection between Iran and central Asia and China offers an alternative economic corridor for oil and mineral exports to navigate around US sanctions and maritime bottlenecks such as the Malacca Straits… Coming onto the horizon now was a new artery between the fast-growing and modernising regions of the Middle East/west Asia and south-east Asia linked by high-speed rail through Western China. The 21st century was being remade.”

In the current situation, she notes, China has been far from inactive: “Following the UN security council failure to rule Trump’s war as illegal, instead placing all the blame on Iran, China doubled down on diplomacy. A special envoy was sent to the region while Foreign Minister Wang Yi made multiple phone calls… China then met with Pakistan which had for its part been conferring with Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Together they produced a five-point peace plan covering the cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, restoration of maritime security and the primacy of international law.”

Looking at the ongoing reconfiguration of the regional geopolitical architecture, Jenny observes: “The Gulf states’ bargain, exchanging security for US bases and huge arms sales, has put them in the firing line… with the US in general decline, new developments have also been influencing the reshaping of the region — the Saudi Arabia-Iran rapprochement brokered by China; the reconciliation between the Palestine groups again mediated by the Chinese, and now with Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, all members of the BRI, seeking to take greater responsibility for peace.”

China’s peace diplomacy aids defeat of US imperialism

In what cannot but be described as a humiliating climbdown and significant defeat for US imperialism, on the evening of April 7, barely minutes before his self-set deadline for unleashing a genocide of unprecedented savagery and barbarism aimed at wiping out the millennia long Iranian civilisation, US President Donald Trump suddenly announced that he had accepted a Pakistani proposal for a two-week ceasefire, with negotiations between the two main protagonists set to begin in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on April 10.

After a month of bestial aggression characterised from the first day by the most egregious war crimes, including the massacre of more than 170 people, the majority of them little girls, in the bombing of a school, along with the murder of the religious and political supreme leader of the Iranian people together with numerous members of his family as well as leading political figures of the country; after a rising crescendo of ever more deranged and psychotic threats of a kind not publicly uttered by a head of state since Adolf Hitler, albeit the nazi leader refrained from using such profane language in public, the US mafia boss performed a volte face and declared that Iran’s 10-point peace proposal, which had been on the table since the start of the aggression, constituted a “workable basis on which to negotiate.”

According to Iran’s Press TV, these ten points are as follows:

No new aggression against Iran
Continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz
Acceptance of (uranium) enrichment
Removal of all primary sanctions
Removal of all secondary sanctions
Termination of all UN Security Council resolutions
Termination of all (International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA) Board of Governors resolutions
Payment of compensation to Iran
Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region
Cessation of war on all fronts, including against the heroic Islamic Resistance of Lebanon

Even on the reasonable assumption that any serious negotiation is unlikely to see any side fully realise all its objectives, and irrespective of what the future holds, this climbdown by Trump represents a humiliation for the United States on a scale not seen since the defeats inflicted by the heroic peoples of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia half a century ago.

A statement from Iran’s National Security Council said:

“On the first day, when the criminal enemies of Iran began this oppressive war, they imagined they would succeed in complete military dominance over Iran in a short time and force Iran to surrender by creating political and social instability. They thought Iran’s missile and drone fire would be quickly extinguished and did not believe that Iran could deliver such a powerful response beyond its borders and across the entire region…

“Iran and the Resistance almost completely destroyed the American military machine in the region; they dealt crushing and profound blows to the vast infrastructure and facilities that the enemy had built and stationed around the region over the years for this war against Iran. In regional dimensions, they imposed extensive casualties on the criminal American army, and within the occupied territories, they delivered heavy and shattering blows to the enemy’s forces, infrastructure, facilities, and assets…

“Now, the honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan has informed Iran that the American side, despite all outward threats, has accepted these principles as the basis for negotiations and has surrendered to the will of the Iranian nation. Accordingly, at the highest level, it has been decided that Iran will engage in negotiations in Islamabad with the American side for a period of two weeks, based solely on these principles. It is emphasised that this does not mean the end of the war; Iran will only accept the termination of the war once the details—given the acceptance of Iran’s preferred principles in the 10-point plan—are finalised in the negotiations…

“If the enemy’s surrender on the battlefield is transformed into a decisive political achievement in the negotiations, we will celebrate this massive historical victory together; otherwise, we will fight side-by-side on the battlefield until all the demands of the Iranian nation are met. Our hands are on the trigger, and the moment the slightest error is committed by the enemy, it will be responded to with full power.”

China’s solidarity with Venezuela, Iran and Cuba

The text below is an edited version of a talk given by Alex C during a launch event for the book “China Changes Everything” held at the SHAPE (Self Help for African People Everywhere) Center in Houston and online on March 28, 2026.

The speech observes that, as the US escalates its wars of aggression against the Global South – invading Venezuela, bombing Iran and tightening its stranglehold on Cuba – the People’s Republic of China has stood firmly alongside the peoples under attack. Alex C traces China’s concrete solidarity with three revolutionary nations on the frontlines of the struggle against imperialism. In Venezuela, China defended Maduro’s government against US-backed coup attempts, and provided critical economic assistance and diplomatic support.

In Iran, China has been a lifeline, purchasing Iranian oil to offset the impact of sanctions, supplying military components, and building a comprehensive strategic partnership that has fundamentally undermined Washington’s efforts to economically strangle the Islamic Republic.

In Cuba, China has contributed $80 million toward the island’s electrical grid, forgiven substantial debt, and partnered with Havana on an ambitious transition to renewable energy.

Drawing on the lessons of Lenin and Mao, the speech reminds us that “nations which embrace revolutionary socialism can and will endure the onslaught of imperialism” – and calls on those of us in the imperial core to stand with the anti-imperialist camp.

The text of the speech first appeared on Workers World. The text is followed by a video of the full launch event.

Venezuela — like China, Iran, Cuba and so many other countries under siege by the United States — is one of many links in the chain of international proletarian revolution. To paraphrase China’s Chairman Mao Zedong, the Venezuelan people stood up in 1999, proclaiming that from that day forth, they would be the masters of Venezuela’s destiny, not international capital.

China wants an end to the criminal war on Iran

We are pleased to republish below an editorial from the Global Times calling on the US and Israel to immediately end their criminal aggression against Iran, before a conflict that “should never have happened” slides beyond all control.

The editorial’s assessment is damning. The US government’s prediction of a “four to five week” war has already been proven wrong, and the conflict’s geography has expanded far beyond its original scope – from the Persian Gulf to the eastern Mediterranean, from the Strait of Hormuz to the Bab el-Mandeb. US assets in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain have all come under attack. Oil prices have surged past $112 a barrel. The risk of global recession is rising.

Most alarming, the editorial argues, is the erosion of limits on targets, with the US and Israel showing no restraint in their attacks on key civilian infrastructure, including oil refineries, desalination plants and power stations.

The editorial identifies a narrow window for peace: both the US and Iran have previously signalled openness to negotiation. China meanwhile has called for ceasefire from the first day and has been working consistently at the level of diplomacy towards that end. “War has no winners, only irreparable harm.”

It has now been a full month since the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28. Far from achieving their so-called “intended objectives,” this conflict, which was initiated by the US and Israel without justification amid negotiations, has instead edged steadily toward the brink of losing control. Although it is uncertain how this conflict will end, its shock to geopolitics and the global order is already profound. What is urgently needed now is to prevent this conflict – one that should never have happened – from sliding into the abyss of complete loss of control.

China and Pakistan work jointly for peace

China and Pakistan have jointly launched a five-point peace initiative aimed at ending the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran.

The move came as the centrepiece of a March 31 visit to Beijing by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

At their meeting, Wang said that the mediation efforts of the Pakistani side regarding the conflict are in the common interests of all parties. China supports and looks forward to Pakistan playing a unique and important role in easing the situation and resuming peace talks. China is willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan to end the hostilities as soon as possible, create opportunities for peace and open the window for peace talks.

On bilateral ties, Wang said this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, calling on both sides to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and constantly advance the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

For his part, Dar said the Pakistan-China friendship is precious and deeply rooted in people’s hearts, adding that Pakistan is willing to work with China to promote the continuous development of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. He thanked China for supporting Pakistan’s mediation of the situation in Iran, adding that the current conflict has disrupted international energy supplies and caused heavy damage to developing countries.

Dar had earlier visited China, January 3-5. The two foreign ministers also held phone conversations on March 10 and March 27.

The five-point initiative calls for:

Immediate Cessation of Hostilities. Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to all war-affected areas.

Start of peace talks as soon as possible. Sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence and security of Iran and the Gulf states should be safeguarded. China and Pakistan support the relevant parties in initiating talks, with all parties committing to peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or the threat of use of force during peace talks.

Security of nonmilitary targets. The principle of protecting civilians in military conflict should be observed. China and Pakistan call on parties to the conflict to immediately stop attacks on civilians and nonmilitary targets and to fully adhere to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and stop attacking important infrastructure, including energy, desalination and power facilities, and peaceful nuclear infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants.

Security of shipping lanes. China and Pakistan call on the parties to protect the security of ships and crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, allow the early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal passage through the Strait as soon as possible.

Primacy of the United Nations Charter. China and Pakistan call for efforts to practice true multilateralism, to jointly strengthen the primacy of the UN, and to support the conclusion of an agreement for establishing a comprehensive peace framework and realising lasting peace based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law.

At a Chinese Foreign Ministry press conference on April 1, spokesperson Mao Ning said that the initiative is open and all countries and international organisations are welcome to respond to and participate in it.

The claws of a dying beast: US imperialism’s existential quagmire

As the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its second month, a striking vulnerability has emerged that the mainstream media has largely chosen to ignore: the Pentagon’s ability to replenish its rapidly depleting weapons stockpiles is now to a significant degree dependent on China’s rare earth exports, which are essential to everything from jet engine coatings to precision guidance systems. Alternative supply chains are three to five years away at best. China’s leading position in critical minerals processing gives important leverage in any confrontation with Washington.

In the following article, Ileana Chan, Director and Producer at Empire Watch, illuminates this contradiction, situating the criminal war on Iran within the broader imperial logic of a system that is simultaneously dependent on China and desperate to contain it – recognising that China will have surpassed the West in most economic and technological measures within the coming years, and calculating that the window for action is closing.

Ileana highlights the role of China’s steady, principled diplomacy as a counterpoint to US belligerence – a model of sovereignty, development and mutual respect that meets the needs of a rising Global South.

While we grieve for lives lost today and those to come, we know the Global South is building something new. A world defined not by bombastic slogans, but by the steady, even-keeled diplomacy China exemplifies, where sovereignty, development, and mutual respect are paramount.

This article was first published on the Empire Watch Patreon.

The latest US-Israeli war on Iran exposes the desperate belligerence of an empire in inevitable freefall.

It is a war decades in the making, completely aligned with Washington’s geopolitical maneuvering to perpetuate a unipolar world. This empire demands fealty from its vassal states and allies, without being able to articulate a rational strategy and objective. It claims self-defense while committing war crimes and breaking international law with impunity. Yet, somehow, behind the shock and awe tactics and tired propaganda tropes, the US seems utterly unprepared for the reality it has unleashed.

China condemns US and Israeli atrocities at UN Human Rights Council

On March 27, at the request of Iran, China and Cuba, the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, held an urgent debate on the attacks on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, Iran.

Chinese Ambassador Jia Guide stated that the attacks on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, Iran, which claimed the lives of 168 innocent girls, are an act that crosses the line of human morality, the worst violation of human rights, and a blatant contempt of international humanitarian law. China is deeply shocked by the attack, strongly condemns it, and expresses its sympathies for the families of the victims.

The ambassador pointed out that the United States and Israel launched the attack on Iran without the authorisation of the UN Security Council, killed the leaders of Iran, seriously violated the human rights of the Iranian people, and triggered an escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, forcibly dragging regional countries into the fray.

The following article was originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN Office at Geneva and other international organisations in Switzerland.

On March 27, at the request of Iran, China and Cuba, the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council held an urgent debate on the attacks on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, Iran. Ambassador Jia Guide, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, attended and elaborated on China’s position.

Ambassador Jia Guide stated that the attacks on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, Iran, which claimed the lives of 168 innocent girls, are an act that crosses the line of human morality, the worst violation of human rights, and a blatant contempt of international humanitarian law. China is deeply shocked by the attack, strongly condemns it, and expresses our sympathies for the families of the victims.

Ambassador Jia pointed out that the United States and Israel launched the attack on Iran without the authorization of the UN Security Council, which is the root cause of this tragedy. The US and Israel killed the leaders of Iran, seriously violated the human rights of the Iranian people, and triggered an escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, forcibly dragging regional countries into the fray. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries should be fully respected. China strongly condemns all acts that violate international law and launch indiscriminate attacks on civilian and non-military targets.

Ambassador Jia stressed that all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, and not by the use of force. All parties must seize every opportunity for peace, launch the peace process in good faith as soon as possible, take practical actions to protect the basic human rights of people in the region, and safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East.