Iran's Araghchi, China's Wang Yi Meet in Beijing on Regional Security

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday, with Tehran pressing for a more prominent Chinese role in the Middle East and welcoming a four-point regional security initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping in Egypt earlier this month.

According to a readout of the meeting issued by China's Foreign Ministry, Araghchi said Iran was prepared to deepen cooperation with China within that framework and looked to Beijing to contribute more to regional peace and stability.

The meeting comes as China seeks to widen its influence in international affairs, even as it has avoided direct involvement in the war between Iran and the United States.

Wang told Araghchi that China is ready to play a constructive role in settling international disputes. He urged both Washington and Tehran to show restraint and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.

The Chinese foreign minister also voiced concern about the conflict spreading to Yemen and the Red Sea, calling on all sides to avoid steps that would further complicate the situation and to pursue dialogue and negotiation instead.

No joint statement or agreement was announced following the talks.