China offers Iran moral support in shadow of Israel-Hezbollah hostilities

In talks in New York and the Iranian capital, top Chinese officials back Tehran in “safeguarding” its “sovereignty”

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has met representatives from more than a dozen countries while in New York, but none from Israel. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00pm, 25 Sep 2024Updated: 1:07am, 26 Sep 2024

Two top Chinese diplomats have voiced support for Tehran in talks with senior Iranian officials this week, amid the rising risk of an all-out war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, pledging support for Tehran in safeguarding its “sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity”.

“Regardless of changes in the international and regional situation, China has always been a trustworthy partner of Iran and will, as always, support Iran … and oppose interference by external forces in Iran’s internal affairs and the imposition of sanctions and pressure,” the Chinese foreign ministry quoted Wang as saying.

He also said China would “uphold justice and promote a ceasefire to end the Gaza war”.

The meeting was the first between Wang and Pezeshkian, the new Iranian reformist president, who is believed to favour mending ties with the West.

According to Iranian state-owned news agency IRNA, Pezeshkian said China had a role to play in resolving the conflict.