Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on May 6. The meeting focused on the crisis surrounding Iran and the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. It took place one week before the planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing.
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang stressed the need for an immediate and complete ceasefire. He said the resumption of conflict was unacceptable and that negotiations on the Iran issue should remain a priority. Wang urged the parties to respond to international calls as soon as possible and restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is particularly important for China, the world’s largest oil importer. The crisis surrounding Iran has created direct risks for Beijing’s energy security. Reuters assessed that before the war, China purchased more than 80% of Iran’s seaborne oil exports.
During the meeting, Araghchi briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments in negotiations between Iran and the United States. Iran’s ISNA news agency reported that, in Beijing, Araghchi described China as Iran’s close friend and strategic partner, and said cooperation between the two countries would deepen further under the current circumstances. He also said Tehran would defend its “legitimate rights and interests” in the negotiation process and would accept only a fair agreement.
Reuters reported that Washington is also increasing pressure on Beijing. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on China to use its diplomatic influence to push Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation. He said Trump and Xi would also discuss the issue during their planned meeting in Beijing on May 14-15.
Araghchi’s visit shows that Beijing is taking a more active diplomatic role in the Iran crisis. China is simultaneously trying to preserve its strategic partnership with Tehran, protect its own energy interests, and present itself as a mediator capable of helping reduce tensions in the region.
