China slams US-Israel war as ‘illegitimate’, pushes ceasefire

BEIJING (MNTV) — China hosted Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemning the U.S.-Israeli war on Tehran as “illegitimate” and urging an immediate and complete ceasefire.

Meeting in the Chinese capital, Wang emphasized that halting hostilities in West Asia was both “necessary and unavoidable,” warning that the region was at a decisive turning point. He said China stood ready to continue efforts to reduce tensions and stressed the importance of direct dialogue between the parties.

Wang sharply criticized military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran, arguing that the conflict’s consequences extend far beyond the region.

Araghchi, leading a diplomatic delegation, thanked Beijing for its consistent stance, particularly its condemnation of Washington and Tel Aviv, and described China as a “sincere friend” and strategic partner. He said cooperation between Tehran and Beijing would deepen under current circumstances.

The Iranian minister called the ongoing war an “open aggression” and a “gross violation of international law,” adding that Iran would pursue diplomacy while firmly defending its rights.

“Iran will not be satisfied with anything less than a fair and comprehensive agreement,” he said, referring to ongoing negotiations.

Araghchi also briefed Wang on “the crimes committed by the United States and Israel” during the 40-day conflict, including alleged violations of humanitarian law. He praised China’s “principled stance” against the abuse of the U.N. Security Council and expressed hope that Beijing, currently holding the council’s rotating presidency, would help prevent further escalation.

Wang, in turn, praised the resilience of the Iranian people and reaffirmed China’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security. He reiterated Beijing’s opposition to the use of force and endorsed a four-point plan proposed by Chinese leadership aimed at ending the war and establishing lasting peace through dialogue.

The two sides also reviewed progress on bilateral economic and trade cooperation and agreed to continue high-level consultations.

The visit follows at least three phone calls between Wang and Araghchi since the outbreak of the war on Feb. 28, including a conversation on April 15 in which Araghchi commended China and Russia for opposing a U.S.-backed resolution at the Security Council, a move he said helped prevent escalation.

Analysts say the timing of the visit is significant, coming just days before a scheduled summit in Beijing between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“Tehran and Beijing are aligning their interests before Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping,” said Amir Handjani, a board member at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have intensified ahead of the summit. China recently pushed back against U.S. sanctions targeting Chinese refiners purchasing Iranian crude, invoking a “blocking rule” and directing companies not to comply.

Last month, China joined Russia in vetoing a U.S.-backed resolution at the U.N. Security Council targeting Iran.

On Tuesday, the United States introduced a new draft resolution after a failed attempt to open the Strait of Hormuz to U.S. and allied vessels. The proposal, backed by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, could pave the way for sanctions or even authorization of force if Iran does not comply.

Analysts warn that the ongoing conflict could complicate broader diplomatic efforts between Washington and Beijing.

“Even if Trump believes the Chinese are providing diplomatic cover while keeping Iran economically afloat, he is at a disadvantage,” said Danny Russel. “He needs Beijing to restrain Tehran, not empower it.”

Despite mounting tensions, both China and Iran signaled their commitment to diplomacy, with Wang reiterating Beijing’s readiness to play a constructive role in ending the conflict and promoting regional stability.