Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit China this week, less than 10 days ahead of a high-stakes visit to Beijing by US President Donald Trump.
Araghchi was set to arrive on Wednesday and hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on Tuesday.
The two top diplomats have held multiple rounds of calls since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered the current conflict in late February. Throughout, Wang has consistently called for a ceasefire and the guarantee of freedom of navigation, while reaffirming Beijing’s support for Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security.
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The trip is the latest in Araghchi’s diplomatic efforts to end the war with the United States and Israel, following recent visits to Russia, Oman and Pakistan to engage high-level officials and seek international support.
Three months into the war, global energy markets remain in turmoil as a dual blockade of the critical Strait of Hormuz sends crude oil prices to record highs and tests a fragile Pakistan-brokered ceasefire. Meanwhile, efforts for Washington and Tehran to resume talks remain stalled.
Trump extends Iran ceasefire after claiming interception of ‘gift from China’
Trump extends Iran ceasefire after claiming interception of ‘gift from China’
Aragchi’s mission to China comes just days before Trump’s state visit, scheduled to begin on May 14 and widely expected to cover pressing matters including the Middle East conflict.