China backs Iran’s sovereignty and calls for talks

Wang met Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing on 2 November. According to China’s foreign ministry, Wang said Beijing supported Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security and wanted to develop relations between the two countries. The ministry’s account did not set out a military commitment.

The meeting followed US threats of renewed attacks on Iran, ANP and AFP reported.

Wang also said dialogue and negotiation were the way to resolve conflict in the Middle East, and urged parties to focus on a political solution rather than take up arms again, according to the Chinese account.

The ministry said Bagheri Kani would defend Iran’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity while remaining willing to talk to all parties. Iranian state broadcaster Press TV separately reported that he said Iran would not compromise on those interests.

China also announced that its Middle East envoy, Zhai Jun, is due to visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the planned visits were intended to promote peace talks and ease tensions.