Araghchi's visit to China signals peace, opens space for diplomatic negotiations

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi made his first visit to China on Wednesday since the US-Israel joint strikes on Iran began on February 28. The visit comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as both sides seek to assert control, and at a critical juncture between war and peace in the region.

In an interview with Iranian news agency IRIB after his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Araghchi said China believes that Iran nowadays is different from the one before the war, and Iran has attained an elevated international standing and proven its capabilities and strength.

During Wednesday's meeting, Araghchi said political crises cannot be resolved through military means, affirming Iran's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and national dignity while pursuing comprehensive, lasting solutions through dialogue. The Iranian foreign minister also said reopening the Strait of Hormuz could be addressed promptly and voiced appreciation for China's constructive role in preventing further escalation.

Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign minister stressed that Beijing has been actively promoting peace and encouraging dialogue since hostilities began and urged relevant parties to respond to international calls for restoring safe and normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.

Professor Wang Jin, director of the Center for Strategic Studies at Northwest University in China, said Araghchi's remarks demonstrate Iran's willingness to ease tensions and restore passage through the strait. He added that the timing of the visit is crucial as it helps the international community understand Iran's intentions and the prospects for lasting regional peace.

Middle East expert Zou Zhiqiang from Fudan University told Chinanews.com that since the temporary ceasefire agreement on April 8, both Iran and the US have shown no willingness to resume large-scale military conflict despite significant differences on key issues. He said the ceasefire aligns with regional expectations and the broader aspirations of the international community.

Referring to the foreign ministers' discussions on the Strait of Hormuz, Zou emphasized that while the current focus is maritime security, establishing a long-term, sustainable peace framework also requires a mutually acceptable solution on the nuclear issue.

During Wednesday's meeting, Wang affirmed China's appreciation for Iran's commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons while respecting its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear energy.

Zou said China's stance underscores its objective and fair-minded role as a major power and helps steer the Iran nuclear issue back to the track of dialogue and negotiation.

Noting opinions advocating the development of nuclear weapons have emerged within Iran following the outbreak of conflict, Professor Wang said China's message on the Iran nuclear issue aims to encourage Iran to remain steadfast in its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

As for both foreign ministers' emphasis on a regional framework that balances development and security, Zou explained that the traditional security order in the Middle East has long been troubled, with outdated patterns such as external military interventions and bloc confrontations proving unsustainable.

Therefore, establishing a regional peace and security framework led by regional countries, with shared participation, protection of common interests and pursuit of common development, would help further address the root causes of instability and lay a foundation for lasting peace in the region, Zou said.

Earlier in April, China proposed a four-point proposal on maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, calling for peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to the international rule of law and a balanced approach to development and security.

China's efforts to promote peace and encourage peaceful talks also include around 30 phone calls between its foreign minister and senior officials from relevant parties including Iran, Russia, Israel and the Gulf countries. Last week, Wang spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the two sides exchanged views on the Middle East situation.

China has actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy and proactively mediated to promote dialogue, becoming a key constructive force in easing regional tensions, Zou said.