China Welcomes Continued U.S.-Iran Talks, Reaffirms Support for Iran's Sovereignty

China Backs Diplomatic Progress

China has welcomed the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations following the first high-level meeting aimed at implementing a ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU). According to China's Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ghadir Nezami on the sidelines of a security conference in New Delhi.

Wang said Beijing supports the continuation of follow-up talks between Washington and Tehran, which are being facilitated with the assistance of Pakistan and Qatar. He stated that preserving and implementing the agreement would help strengthen the hard-won ceasefire and could open a new chapter in U.S.-Iran relations.

Beijing Reaffirms Support for Iran

Wang also emphasized China's support for Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, national security, and national dignity. He added that Beijing supports efforts by Iran to improve relations with Gulf states and other countries in the region, and expressed hope that China could continue contributing to regional peace and stability through its own diplomatic efforts.

"China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and national dignity," Wang Yi said, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

Nezami thanked China for its role and expressed hope that Beijing would continue helping ensure the implementation of the first-stage agreement between Iran and the United States. He also described China as an important partner and praised its growing role in regional and international affairs.

China's Balancing Strategy

During the conflict that erupted after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, Beijing maintained a cautious diplomatic approach. China publicly condemned the military strikes and continued purchasing Iranian oil despite U.S. sanctions, while also keeping communication channels open with all sides.

It remains unclear how much behind-the-scenes diplomatic influence China exercised in helping create the conditions that led to the current negotiations.