By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

China reaffirmed its support for Iran, rejecting reports of policy shifts amid US claims following recent diplomatic talks.

Key Takeaways

• China publicly reaffirmed its longstanding position on Iran amid reports suggesting a policy shift after recent US-China discussions.
• Diplomatic sources dismissed claims that Beijing pressured Tehran as “media hype” intended to present Washington as a political winner.
• Beijing reiterated support for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development while opposing nuclear weapons proliferation.

Beijing Reaffirms Position

China moved on Friday to publicly clarify its position on Iran after reports and speculation suggested Beijing may have altered its stance during recent regional tensions.

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According to Asian diplomatic sources cited by Al Mayadeen, Washington is expected to continue promoting claims that it succeeded in persuading Beijing to pressure Tehran, particularly following recent discussions involving the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear file.

According to Al Mayadeen, the sources dismissed growing US rhetoric concerning the “Iranian nuclear issue” and reports of understandings related to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open “without fees,” describing them as attempts at “media flooding” intended to obscure the substance of ongoing developments.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry later issued a full statement reaffirming that Beijing’s position toward Iran “remains clear and unchanged.”

Iran, Hormuz and Energy Security

The diplomatic sources reportedly said China continues to oppose the spread of nuclear weapons while supporting Iran’s right to peaceful uranium enrichment and civilian nuclear technology, stressing that the position predates any recent contacts with Washington.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Beijing reiterated support for maintaining open maritime routes and preventing militarization, while recognizing Iran’s position as a key coastal state bordering the strategic waterway.

The sources also stressed that Iranian energy remains important to China despite diversification efforts.

“China buying oil or gas from the United States is nothing new,” the sources said, adding that no alternative can easily replace Iranian oil or Hormuz-linked imports, which they said account for nearly 45 percent of Chinese energy needs.

They added that Beijing continues to support regional security arrangements among Gulf countries without external intervention.

Trump-Xi Talks

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump held talks on bilateral and international issues, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said both leaders agreed to improve communication and coordination on regional and global issues while pursuing what Beijing described as a more stable strategic relationship.

Addressing ongoing US-Iran diplomacy, China called for a rapid and lasting ceasefire and reiterated support for negotiations.

“The war between Iran and the United States should not have erupted in the first place, and there is no need for it to continue,” the ministry said.

Beijing also stressed that “a military solution is not the answer,” calling for diplomatic efforts to sustain de-escalation.

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‘No Major Strategic Shift’

Separately, reports cited by Al Mayadeen pointed to growing skepticism over portrayals of a major Chinese shift against Iran.

According to commentary attributed to Israeli analyst Zvi Bar’el, China continues to view Iran as a key strategic and energy partner and an important component of Beijing’s regional calculations.

The broader assessment suggested that while China seeks to avoid direct confrontation with Washington, it does not appear willing to abandon its strategic relationship with Tehran.

(PC, Al Mayadeen)