China said it continues to support a diplomatic end to the US-Iran war, in a delayed statement released shortly before the US is set to unveil measures to punish Tehran's economic partners.
“China is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and is actively committed to promoting peace talks,” Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu said at talks with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on Aug. 17, according to a statement published Sunday. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs didn't previously disclose the meeting and provided no explanation for the time lag in making it public almost a week later.
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The timing is notable because it comes a day before US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to unveil a plan designed to shift the conflict from tit-for-tat strikes across the Middle East to full-blown economic isolation.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump threatened Iran and its trading partners after months of military strikes and a maritime blockade failed to force Tehran to capitulate. China buys the bulk of Iran's oil and was its second-largest trading partner in 2025, behind the United Arab Emirates, which this week said it cut all economic ties with Tehran after accusing it of firing ballistic missiles at its territory.
Beijing responded to Trump's comments by saying sanctions and pressure wouldn't work and called for a diplomatic resolution. Iran, meanwhile, said Trump's threats were a “diversion” from America's own crises of unprecedented debt and surging interest costs.
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Gharibabadi briefed Chinese officials on the latest developments in the Gulf and presented Iran's position, according to the statement. While Tehran is “willing to continue resolving issues through diplomatic negotiations,” he said Iran will act “firmly” in defending its sovereignty and security interests.
“Iran looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in various fields and advancing bilateral relations,” the statement cited him as saying. “Iran appreciates China's upholding of justice and fairness and looks forward to China playing a greater role in maintaining regional peace and stability.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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