Premier Li Qiang stated that China would reinforce its coordination with Iran on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, SCO and BRICS, following a meeting between the leaders of the two countries regarding the Israel-Hamas war, according to the SCMP.
Li made the statement during talks with Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Bishkek on Thursday. The summit in the Kyrgyz capital came three months after Iran became the ninth full member of the Beijing-led security-focused bloc.
Tehran has been a longtime supporter of Palestinian groups Hamas and Hezbollah, but denies involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that triggered Israeli aerial strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Iranian media reported Beijing’s interest in “greater coordination with Tehran,” while calling on Islamic countries to “work together to de-escalate tensions.”
The tragedies in Gaza have increased the instability of the Middle East, and in the meantime, Beijing’s position is quite clear. It wants a quick ceasefire and the protection of civilians from all sides and not [the] spreading [of] tension.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that a two-state solution involving an independent Palestine living peacefully with Israel was a “fundamental way out of the recurring Palestine-Israel conflict”.
Zhai Jun, China’s special envoy to the Middle East, is touring the region to promote a peace consensus. He visited Saudi Arabia on Thursday, reiterating China’s call for a ceasefire and expressing regret over continued civilian casualties. He is also set to visit Iran.
Beijing has increasingly positioned itself as a leader of the developing world and has supported moves to expand international groupings such as BRICS and the SCO.
Iran became a full member of the SCO in July and would join the six countries that acceded to the original BRICS as permanent members in January.
China is ready to work with Iran to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, enrich the connotation of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership, and bring more benefits to the two peoples.
Mokhber announced Iran’s willingness to cooperate with China in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, expressing determination to enhance ties and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. He suggested that China invest more in Iran, including infrastructure, energy projects, and tourism.
