Iranian FM Araghchi meets Chinese counterpart in Beijing, Wang Yi calls US-Israeli war on Tehran "illegitimate"

Beijing (Web Desk/Agencies): China hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing for key diplomatic discussions, where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the US-Israeli military campaign against Tehran as “illegitimate” and called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

During the meeting held in Beijing on Wednesday, Wang Yi stressed the urgency of ending hostilities across the West Asia region and highlighted the importance of restoring stability through dialogue.

He said China remained willing to continue efforts aimed at easing tensions and added, “We are prepared to continue efforts to reduce the intensity of tensions. A complete ceasefire is necessary and unavoidable.”

The senior Chinese diplomat also condemned the military actions carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, saying the region had reached a highly sensitive stage where direct engagement among all involved parties had become crucial.

Araghchi, in response, thanked Beijing for maintaining a firm and supportive position, especially for openly criticizing Washington and Tel Aviv.

He referred to China as a sincere and dependable partner of Tehran and said cooperation between the two nations would deepen further under the present circumstances.

The Iranian foreign minister called the ongoing conflict against Iran an "open aggression and a gross violation of international law."

Speaking about the diplomatic process, Araghchi said Tehran would continue to use all available efforts during negotiations to safeguard its legitimate rights and national interests. He also made it clear that Iran would settle for nothing less than a "fair and comprehensive agreement."

FM Araghchi arrived in the Chinese capital on Wednesday morning leading a diplomatic delegation. He was welcomed by Chinese representatives as well as Iran’s ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli.

The visit came after at least three telephone conversations between Wang Yi and Araghchi since the beginning of the terrorist war against Iran on February 28.

Their most recent discussion took place on April 15, when Araghchi appreciated the responsible approach taken by China and Russia in opposing a US-backed resolution at the UN Security Council, saying the move helped stop tensions from escalating further.

Wang also praised the determination and resilience shown by the Iranian people during the recent conflict and reiterated China’s commitment to supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at bringing the war to an end.

Experts believe the timing of the visit carries major strategic significance, especially as it comes only days before US President Donald Trump is expected to attend a summit in Beijing.

Relations between Washington and Beijing have remained tense in the lead-up to the summit. In a rare show of resistance, China recently pushed back against US sanctions imposed on Chinese oil refiners purchasing Iranian crude by activating a “blocking rule” for the first time and instructing companies not to comply with American sanctions.

Last month, China and Russia also joined forces to veto a US-backed resolution targeting Iran at the UN Security Council.