China has voiced support for Iran’s ongoing nuclear discussions with the United States and criticized Washington’s use of sanctions to influence the talks.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Beijing, where both nations emphasized their cooperation in international affairs.
The Chinese government said it welcomes diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear issue and opposes any military action or unilateral sanctions not backed by the international community. Wang noted that China appreciates Iran’s commitment to not developing nuclear weapons and supports its right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
This meeting came just days before a new round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington is set to take place. The talks are part of renewed efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which saw Iran limit its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. That agreement collapsed in 2018 when then-President Donald Trump withdrew the US and imposed new restrictions aimed at crippling Iran’s economy.
Despite the breakdown of the original deal, Iran and the US have recently resumed indirect negotiations. The talks come amid a backdrop of renewed US sanctions on several Chinese companies for purchasing Iranian oil. Iran’s foreign ministry said Araqchi updated Wang on the status of those negotiations and thanked China for supporting Iran’s push for sanctions to be lifted.
China remains Iran’s largest oil customer and has continued to import large volumes of crude, even as the US seeks to reduce those sales to zero. In recent weeks, Chinese imports of Iranian oil have reached record levels, as buyers race to secure supply ahead of potential new sanctions. Chinese and Iranian traders have developed a workaround using the yuan and intermediaries to avoid transactions in US dollars, shielding them from American oversight.
In their talks, Wang and Araqchi also touched on the broader use of US tariffs. Wang criticized Washington’s reliance on economic pressure, saying it has damaged America’s reputation and left it isolated on the world stage. He called for global unity in defending international norms and multilateral cooperation.
Beijing’s continued backing of Tehran, especially during sensitive negotiations, underscores China’s expanding role in Middle East diplomacy. While the US seeks to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities through pressure, China is offering support and engagement, presenting an alternative path in the shifting global power landscape.