China has backed Iran in its right to defend its sovereignty following the assassination in Tehran last month of a leading Palestinian figure.
It also renewed its call for joint efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
In a call on Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told acting Iranian foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani that Beijing supported Tehran “in defending its sovereignty, security and national dignity in accordance with the law”.
“[China also supports Iran’s] efforts to maintain regional peace and stability, and stands ready to maintain close communication with Iran,” Wang said, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
“The priority is for the international community to jointly urge all parties to implement in earnest United Nations Security Council resolutions and create conditions for a comprehensive, permanent ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible.”
He also described China and Iran as “comprehensive strategic partners” and said China was willing to work with the new Iranian government.
03:05
World reacts to air strikes killing Hamas leader in Iran and Hezbollah commander in Beirut
World reacts to air strikes killing Hamas leader in Iran and Hezbollah commander in Beirut
The call was the first between the two since Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Palestinian group Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran on July 31. Haniyeh was last seen at the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
On Sunday, Wang again condemned the assassination, saying it has seriously “infringed on Iran’s sovereignty and directly undermined the process of Gaza ceasefire negotiation”. Hamas-led armed Palestinian groups have been fighting Israel in the Gaza Strip since early October.
According to the ministry, Bagheri said that while Iran was committed to maintaining regional security, it would firmly defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also hoped China would play a bigger role in de-escalating the situation.
Hamas and Iran have blamed Israel for the killing and vowed to retaliate. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death but it previously vowed to eliminate Hamas leaders.
The tensions have added to fears of a wider conflict in the region, prompting China’s embassies in Lebanon and Iran to issue security alerts.
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Palestinian factions agree to end division in pact brokered by China
Palestinian factions agree to end division in pact brokered by China
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also staged a massive drill in the country’s west since Friday.
Wang’s call with Bagheri is one of a series in the past week related to the region.
He had similar conversations with counterparts in Egypt and Jordan on Monday, calling for joint efforts to ease the tension and create conditions for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Beijing has ramped up efforts as a peace broker in the Middle East. A week before the assassination, rival Palestinian factions including Fatah and Hamas signed an agreement in the Chinese capital aimed at resolving divisions and building unity.
Also on Sunday, Pezeshkian nominated Abbas Araqchi, formerly Tehran’s top negotiator in nuclear talks, as the country’s foreign minister.
