Wang Yi meets Iran SNSC deputy Bagheri, urging dialogue over a return to arms; China supports Iran safeguarding sovereignty and security.
Xinhua reported on 2 November that Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing. Wang said Middle East fighting was protracted and spilling over, that dialogue and negotiation were the way forward, and that parties should meet each other halfway and focus on a political settlement rather than returning to arms; China would follow President Xi Jinping's initiatives on easing Middle East tensions and keep working with all sides to restore peace. Wang said China–Iran ties had remained steady amid global turbulence, that China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, and that Beijing would work with Tehran to further the relationship. Bagheri set out Iran's views, saying Iran would firmly defend its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against coercion and threats while remaining open to contact and negotiation for regional peace; he praised Xi's initiatives and China's multilateral stance and looked to China for a greater role. China's foreign ministry site, China News Service (via CCTV News) and People's Daily Online also carried the readout. Yonhap, from Beijing, said Wang reiterated support for Iran's sovereignty and security and that Bagheri signalled readiness for talks while resisting coercion. The Straits Times, citing Reuters, said Wang urged political solutions over a return to arms and noted the same-day Xi–Oman talks and China's announcement of a Middle East envoy trip this month.
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