China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has issued a strong call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, condemning the ongoing conflict as a war that “should never have happened.” Speaking at the sidelines of China’s annual parliamentary gatherings, Wang emphasized the need for dialogue, justice for Palestinians, and respect for national sovereignty, while also addressing the complex relationship between China and the United States.
Wang Yi unequivocally stated that the war in the Middle East, sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, “should never have happened.” He criticized the notion that “a strong fist means strong reason,” asserting that the world cannot revert to a “law of the jungle.” China has also condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Chinese Foreign Minister urged all parties to return to the negotiating table as swiftly as possible to resolve differences through dialogue. He highlighted the need to work towards common security and stressed that the people of the Middle East are the true masters of their region, whose affairs should be determined independently. Wang also implicitly called for justice for the Palestinian people, a long-standing tenet of China’s foreign policy in the region.
Wang Yi issued a stern warning against any attempts to engineer regime change in Iran, stating that such efforts “will find no popular support.” He emphasized that external interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations is unacceptable and counterproductive.
Addressing the strained relationship between China and the United States, Wang Yi described 2026 as a “big year for Sino-U.S. relations.” He called for mutual respect, sincerity, and good faith, urging both nations to manage their differences and avoid sliding into conflict or confrontation. Wang noted that while neither side can remodel the other, they can change how they interact, advocating for creating a suitable environment and eliminating unnecessary interference.
Beyond the Middle East, Wang Yi reaffirmed the “steadfast and unshakeable” nature of China-Russia relations, despite Western criticism regarding Russia’s role in the Ukraine war. He also addressed Taiwan, reiterating Beijing’s stance that reunification is an unstoppable historical process and a “red line that must not be crossed.” Wang also criticized Japan’s stance on Taiwan, suggesting a potential revision of its pacifist constitution.