PARIS—Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged for dialogue and negotiation over Iran’s nuclear program, cautioning that the use of military force will only incite further conflict and deepen animosity.
Speaking at a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that war is not a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. “Preemptive strikes lack legitimacy,” he said, adding that “the abuse of military force will only lead to more conflict and accumulate more hatred.”
Wang highlighted China’s consistent position on the matter, noting the importance of Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. “China respects Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons,” he stated.
He called on all parties to accelerate negotiations for a new international agreement that would fully place Iran’s nuclear activities under the strict supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. “The path to peace lies ahead, and history will test the sincerity of all parties,” Wang said.
Addressing recent tensions in the Middle East, Wang warned against repeating military conflicts between nations. He criticized the precedent of bombing sovereign nations’ nuclear facilities, suggesting such actions could trigger a global nuclear disaster. “The whole world would bear the consequences,” he cautioned.
Wang questioned the notion of achieving “peace through strength,” arguing that relying solely on power undermines justice and international rules. “Strength cannot bring true peace,” he asserted. “It may well open a Pandora’s box.”
He pointed to the Palestinian issue as the core of Middle East instability, urging that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must end. “The Palestinian issue must not be marginalized again,” Wang insisted. “The legitimate aspirations of the Arab people should be fulfilled as soon as possible.”
Wang advocated for the “two-state solution” as the only realistic way to break the cycle of turmoil in the region. He called on the international community to take concrete actions to advance this goal.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council, Wang emphasized that China and France should uphold justice and support conflict resolution through dialogue. “We should oppose any double standards and determine our positions based on right and wrong,” he said.
Wang concluded by expressing China’s willingness to work with France and the United Nations to promote peace in the Middle East.
