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BEIJING, May 1, Reuters reports – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a senior Iranian national security official on Wednesday that Beijing appreciated Tehran’s diplomatic efforts over its nuclear programme. The statement came ahead of a new round of talks between the United States and Iran scheduled for Saturday.
During a meeting in Brazil, Wang Yi told Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, that China “highly appreciates Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons” and “positively assesses Iran’s diplomatic efforts,” according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement released on Thursday.
“China is pleased to see the ongoing dialogue between Iran and other parties and supports Iran’s necessary cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” the Foreign Ministry quoted Wang as saying.
US President Donald Trump has threatened military action if Iran does not reach a deal to curb its escalating nuclear programme. Negotiators from Washington and Tehran are expected to resume talks in Rome on Saturday.
On Wednesday, the White House imposed sanctions on organisations it says are involved in the illegal trade in Iranian oil and petrochemicals to increase pressure on Iran ahead of the talks.
Wang Yi collaborated with Shamkhani on the unexpected 2023 agreement to restore ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which analysts believe signaled Beijing’s desire to play a significant diplomatic role in the Middle East.
However, the crisis in Israel and Gaza, as well as attacks by Yemeni Houthis on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, have become a serious test of Beijing’s ability to play a constructive role in resolving global hot issues.
