Iranian foreign minister heads to Beijing as China tests a peacemaking role
Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet Wang Yi as China promotes de-escalation while protecting its economic ties with Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on Wednesday as tensions between Iran and the United States escalate. The discussions are expected to cover de-escalation, Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and the conflict’s economic effects.
The visit would be Araghchi’s second to Beijing since the US-Israel war on Iran began at the end of February, according to the source’s characterisation. It comes ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington later in September.
China has presented itself as a neutral party seeking an end to the conflict. Xi has urged BRICS countries to act as peacemakers and said China was willing to work towards that goal, while promoting a four-point Middle East plan focused on peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, international law, and balancing development with security.
China has not formally announced an imminent mediation effort between Iran and the US. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said Beijing wants to limit disruption to financial and energy markets but has traditionally avoided deep involvement in third-party conflicts. Iranian views have also differed over whether Xi’s remarks amount to a genuine offer to mediate.
Iran’s nuclear programme is expected to be a central issue after the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency referred Tehran to the UN Security Council. The move is expected to be largely symbolic, with China and Russia opposing it and able to veto any new council measures.
At the same time, the US has expanded sanctions pressure on Iran, including targeting China-linked refineries, companies and financial channels allegedly involved in Iranian dealings. China remains Iran’s largest buyer of crude oil and has continued purchasing Iranian oil despite US sanctions, underscoring the economic interests shaping Beijing’s diplomatic position.
