On March 14, the deputy foreign ministers of China, Russia, and Iran met in Beijing. The goal of the meeting was to formulate policy regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, which remains a global concern. Another meeting on the same day was held between China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, and the deputy foreign ministers of Russia and Iran, aimed at deepening dialogue and coordinating positions.
At the conclusion of the day’s discussions, the representatives issued a joint statement, the main point of which was “the necessity to stop all illegal unilateral sanctions” against Iran. The statement also clarified that “political and diplomatic dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remains the only viable and practical option.” Additionally, the participants stated that Iran’s right to use nuclear energy (for civilian purposes) should be respected. The Chinese deputy foreign minister called for the renewal of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue, while the Chinese foreign minister offered a five-point action plan. A significant clause in this proposal was that any future agreement would be based on the July 2015 nuclear deal, in which China participated in drafting.
The meeting’s location in Beijing is important to China for several reasons:
First, it strengthens China’s image as a diplomatic power. China seeks to enhance its global reputation and present itself as a moderating and mediating force, especially in the Middle East. After gaining diplomatic credit from hosting the signing ceremony for the Iran–Saudi Arabia agreement of 2023, China now wishes to portray itself as a mediator in other arenas as well.
Second, the cooperation between China, Russia, and Iran projects resilience in the face of the United States and the West. China, like Russia and Iran, is dealing with economic sanctions from the United States and Europe, as well as criticism over its actions in the South China Sea and on issues such as human rights. This cooperation helps underscore its position as a counterforce to Western policy.
Third, Iran is an important trade partner for China, especially in the energy sector (even if less so than in the past). Iran supplies about 15% of China’s oil at a discounted price. A potential attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could destabilize the country and the broader Middle East, potentially disrupting China’s oil supply.
The meeting, held at a relatively low diplomatic level and accompanied by a joint statement that did not include any commitment to concrete action, raises doubts about whether it will contribute to renewed negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue. Nonetheless, the very fact that this meeting took place is important for China and serves as a platform to position itself as a growing influence in the Middle East and a global diplomatic force that challenges the United States and the West.
On March 14, the deputy foreign ministers of China, Russia, and Iran met in Beijing. The goal of the meeting was to formulate policy regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, which remains a global concern. Another meeting on the same day was held between China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, and the deputy foreign ministers of Russia and Iran, aimed at deepening dialogue and coordinating positions.
At the conclusion of the day’s discussions, the representatives issued a joint statement, the main point of which was “the necessity to stop all illegal unilateral sanctions” against Iran. The statement also clarified that “political and diplomatic dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remains the only viable and practical option.” Additionally, the participants stated that Iran’s right to use nuclear energy (for civilian purposes) should be respected. The Chinese deputy foreign minister called for the renewal of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue, while the Chinese foreign minister offered a five-point action plan. A significant clause in this proposal was that any future agreement would be based on the July 2015 nuclear deal, in which China participated in drafting.
The meeting’s location in Beijing is important to China for several reasons:
First, it strengthens China’s image as a diplomatic power. China seeks to enhance its global reputation and present itself as a moderating and mediating force, especially in the Middle East. After gaining diplomatic credit from hosting the signing ceremony for the Iran–Saudi Arabia agreement of 2023, China now wishes to portray itself as a mediator in other arenas as well.
Second, the cooperation between China, Russia, and Iran projects resilience in the face of the United States and the West. China, like Russia and Iran, is dealing with economic sanctions from the United States and Europe, as well as criticism over its actions in the South China Sea and on issues such as human rights. This cooperation helps underscore its position as a counterforce to Western policy.
Third, Iran is an important trade partner for China, especially in the energy sector (even if less so than in the past). Iran supplies about 15% of China’s oil at a discounted price. A potential attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could destabilize the country and the broader Middle East, potentially disrupting China’s oil supply.
The meeting, held at a relatively low diplomatic level and accompanied by a joint statement that did not include any commitment to concrete action, raises doubts about whether it will contribute to renewed negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue. Nonetheless, the very fact that this meeting took place is important for China and serves as a platform to position itself as a growing influence in the Middle East and a global diplomatic force that challenges the United States and the West.