BEIJING, Monday, March 9, 2026 (WNP): China on Monday defended Iran’s leadership transition, saying the process that led to the appointment of the country’s new supreme leader was conducted in accordance with Iran’s constitution and should not be subject to approval or rejection by foreign powers.

Speaking during a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly described Iran’s newly chosen leader as “unacceptable.”

Guo said the selection of Iran’s leadership was carried out through the country’s constitutional procedures and emphasized that the issue is an internal matter for Iran.

“The choice of national leadership should be decided by the people and institutions of the country concerned,” the spokesperson said, stressing that such decisions are not dependent on the approval of any external government.

China’s remarks underscored its longstanding position on national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. By highlighting that Iran’s succession process followed constitutional procedures, Beijing signaled that it views the leadership transition as legitimate under Iran’s legal framework.

The exchange comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the recent escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The leadership change in Tehran occurred after the death of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with Mojtaba Khamenei subsequently assuming the position of the Islamic Republic’s top authority.

Observers noted that Beijing’s comments reflect a broader shift in global diplomacy, where emerging powers increasingly emphasize multipolarity and the principle that countries should determine their own political systems without external pressure.

China has repeatedly called for dialogue and restraint in the Middle East crisis, urging all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.

By reaffirming that leadership decisions are matters of national sovereignty, Beijing signaled its support for the principle that governments are chosen through domestic processes rather than external endorsement.