Wang Yi discusses tensions over Iran with Lavrov and calls for immediate cessation of fighting

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. The main topic was the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, especially developments around Iran.

Wang Yi said that at the joint initiative of China and Russia, the convened UN Security Council an extraordinary meeting on the current crisis. He stressed that China has long advocated respect for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and rejects the use of force in international relations.

In his words, the military attacks United States of America a Israel against Iran during the ongoing negotiations is unacceptable. He warned that the killing of the leader of a sovereign state and the attempts at regime change constitute a violation of international law and the basic norms of international relations. The conflict, he said, has already spread to the Gulf region and threatens to send the entire Middle East into a dangerous escalation, which is a matter of grave concern to Beijing.

Wang Yi also presented three key points of the Chinese position. The first is the immediate cessation of military operations to prevent the conflict from spreading further and developing uncontrollably. China, he said, attaches great importance to the security of the Gulf States and calls on all actors to exercise restraint. The second point is to return to dialogue and diplomatic negotiations as soon as possible to prevent further escalation. The third is joint opposition to unilateral military action without a UN Security Council mandate, which Beijing believes undermines the post-war international order. The international community, he said, should send a clear signal against a return to the „law of the jungle“ in global politics.

Sergei Lavrov said during the interview that the US and Israeli military strikes had seriously destabilised the situation in the Middle East. Russia said it shares China's position and is ready to strengthen coordination and communication with Beijing. Both countries want to use international platforms, including the UN and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to a diplomatic solution.

CMG