China and Iran call for an end to Israeli occupation, an immediate ceasefire, and full troop withdrawal

Friends of Socialist China, January 9, 2025 —

One of the last high level diplomatic visitors to China in 2024 was Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, who held talks in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on December 28.

The timing of this important visit is surely not coincidental, coming at the end of a tumultuous year in the West Asia region, with the continuing genocide in Gaza, spreading conflict involving Lebanon, Yemen and other states, exchanges of missile fire between Iran and Israel and, earlier in December, the overthrow of the legitimate Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad by extremist terrorist forces massively backed by outside powers.

At their meeting, Wang said that China  called on the international community to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East, respect the legitimate and reasonable concerns of those countries, respect the independent choices made by the people of the Middle East, and respect the historical and cultural traditions of countries in that region.

Noting that the Middle East belongs to the people of the Middle East, he added that it is not an arena for major-power rivalry, nor should it be the victim of geopolitical competition among countries outside the region.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese Foreign Minister went on to say that the successful meeting between the two heads of state during the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, provided strategic guidance for deepening China-Iran relations.

Noting the time-honored China-Iran relations and the traditional friendship between the two peoples, Wang said that enhanced coordination and cooperation between China and Iran will not only benefit the two peoples, but also contribute to regional and world peace, stability and development. The two sides should continue to support each other on issues concerning their core interests, steadily promote practical cooperation and enhance cooperation in multilateral fields.

He called for closer coordination and cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) framework and for the upgrading and strengthening of BRICS cooperation, to better safeguard the common interests of the Global South.

In the face of instability and uncertainty in today’s world, Wang emphasised that China and Iran must stay focused and strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly advocate and practice genuine multilateralism, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system.

Araghchi said that developing and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China is the priority of Iran’s foreign policy, and Iran attaches great importance to China’s important role in upholding justice in international affairs.

The Palestine Chronicle reported that the top diplomats from China and Iran called for the restoration of Palestinian rights and the termination of Israel’s occupation, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire, full troop withdrawal, and humanitarian aid.

In a joint statement, it quoted the Anadolu news agency as reporting, the foreign ministers of China and Iran stressed the urgent need to address the Palestinian issue through the restoration of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights and the end of Israel’s occupation,

The Palestine Chronicle report continued: “This visit marked Foreign Minister Araghchi’s first official trip to China since taking office. During the discussions, the two sides also addressed the situation in Lebanon, urging the effective implementation of the ceasefire agreements, and reiterating their commitment to respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

“While Iran has consistently been a vocal supporter of Palestinian resistance, China – historically a strong advocate for Palestinian rights – has emerged as one of the leading voices in the call for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Israeli violence against Palestinians.

“China’s firm advocacy for Palestinian rights and its ongoing criticism of Israel’s actions have been repeatedly expressed at the United Nations Security Council and other international forums. The Chinese government has been a steadfast critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, condemning the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.

“Both China and Iran continue to stand in solidarity with Palestine, calling for international action to end the Israeli occupation and secure a just and lasting peace in the region.”

The South China Morning Post observed that “China has also been a vocal source of support for Iran several times on the international stage, particularly since the war in Gaza erupted.

“In September, when fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah… escalated, Wang told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that ‘China has always been a trustworthy partner of Iran and will, as always, support Iran’.

“That support may be more important than ever when Trump takes office in January.”

According to the Iranian newspaper Tehran Times, reporting on Araghchi’s arrival in China, the minister noted, “For years, we have consistently maintained close consultations with China on all regional and international matters. The current situation is highly sensitive, with escalating tensions in the region and numerous international challenges. Furthermore, our nuclear discussions will encounter new dynamics in the coming year, making increased dialogue with China essential.”

It noted that in an article published in China’s People’s Daily on the day of his arrival, Araghchi highlighted the importance of his visit in shaping the “next golden 50 years” of cooperation between the two countries.

He underscored Iran and China’s mutual commitment to multilateralism, economic collaboration, and shared opposition to unilateralism in international affairs.

“The next golden 50 years of Iran-China relations will demonstrate that this visit marks the beginning of a new chapter of strategic cooperation between the two countries.”

On Syria, the minister reiterated Iran’s stance on respecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that the Syrian people should determine their own future without external interference.

“We are witnessing unprecedented changes in the world that have simultaneously created complex opportunities and challenges,” Araghchi said, stressing that countries are at a historical crossroads between cooperation and confrontation, openness and exclusion, chaos and peace.

Araghchi criticized states that impose their values and interests on others through coercion, sanctions, and double standards. He argued that dividing the world into “democratic” and “non-democratic” blocs distorts reality and undermines global harmony. “Iran and China will always stand on the right side of history,” he said, vowing to champion development, cooperation, and friendship among nations in the Global South while resisting unilateralism and bullying.

The Tehran Times added that Iran’s former ambassador to China, Mohammad Keshavarzzadeh, also emphasized the critical importance of strengthening Tehran’s ties with Beijing in light of evolving global dynamics. Speaking in an interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Keshavarzzadeh highlighted the changing international landscape and the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency as key factors necessitating closer cooperation between the two nations.

“Given the current circumstances the international community is experiencing, coupled with the return of Donald Trump to power in the United States, the development of Iran’s relationship with China is no longer a matter of choice but has become an unavoidable necessity,” Keshavarzzadeh remarked.

A subsequent commentary, also carried in the Tehran Times, noted that, following his meeting with Wang Yi, “The strategic partnership between Iran and China is described as ‘ironclad’ by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who emphasizes that it is built on deep cultural and civilizational ties and rooted in shared values and common interests.

Both ministers, it added, highlighted the necessity of a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria that would reflect the aspirations of all segments of its society.

The two ministers also pledged to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, which remains a significant threat to regional security. Additionally, they touched on critical international issues such as the ongoing nuclear talks, the lifting of sanctions against Iran, and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation within the frameworks of the BRICS group of emerging economies and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Araghchi noted that Iran is committed to leveraging every available capacity to deepen its strategic partnership with China, particularly through the landmark 25-year cooperation agreement signed in March 2021. This agreement serves as a solid foundation for expanding ties in various sectors, including trade, energy, and technology.

China, which is Iran’s largest trading partner, continues to stand by Iran, particularly in the face of illegal sanctions imposed by the United States.

Furthermore, the two ministers called for the international community to support the Palestinian cause by recognizing the legal rights of the Palestinian people and working towards an end to the occupation.

Whilst in Beijing, Araghchi also met with Nurlan Yermekbayev, the SCO secretary general.

Araghchi highlighted the significance of the SCO, which includes major global players like China, Russia, and India, as a vehicle for enhancing cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and development.

Yermekbayev welcomed Iran’s full membership in the SCO, which was granted in 2023, and expressed appreciation for Iran’s initiatives to expand the organization’s activities in economic and banking sectors.