BEIJING, Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (WNP): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing as tensions with the United States continue to escalate over the Strait of Hormuz.
The visit comes just days ahead of US President Donald Trump’s scheduled trip to Beijing on May 14-15 for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding diplomatic significance to the high-level engagement.
During the meeting, Araghchi described China as a close friend of Iran and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would further strengthen under the prevailing circumstances.
Referring to ongoing negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the US-Israeli war on Iran, he said Tehran would firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
“We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations. We will only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement,” he said, amid continued disruption to regional energy infrastructure and global oil and gas supplies caused by the conflict.
For his part, Wang Yi called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz at the earliest, stressing the importance of stability in the region. A statement issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored Beijing’s position that hostilities must cease without delay.
“China considers that a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay. Restarting hostilities is unacceptable, and continued negotiations remain essential,” the statement said.
Araghchi’s visit marks his first trip to China since the outbreak of the conflict on February 28. He has, however, maintained regular contact with Wang Yi, including at least three telephone conversations since the escalation began.
According to reports, Iran sought to convey three key messages during the visit: its stance on the ongoing conflict, reaffirmation of its strategic ties with China ahead of President Trump’s arrival, and securing continued economic and diplomatic support from Beijing.
The meeting reflects intensified diplomatic activity as regional and global stakeholders seek to contain tensions and stabilise critical energy routes.
