14 March 2025
On March 14, 2025, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met in Beijing with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharib Abadi, who came to China to attend the China-Russia-Iran Beijing meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue.
Wang Yi said that over the past year or so, the Middle East issue has continued to ferment, the regional security situation has seriously deteriorated, and hot issues have arisen one after another. As a responsible major country, China has always been committed to the political resolution of regional hotspots, committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, and committed to supporting the unity and self-reliance of regional countries. There are already enough problems in the Middle East. All parties should focus on the Palestinian-Israeli issue and resolve this historical injustice that has been delayed since World War II, rather than creating new tensions or even crises.
Wang Yi said that the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue is an important achievement in properly handling sensitive issues through dialogue and negotiation, and a successful practice of implementing the concept of multilateralism. It has played a unique and important role in maintaining regional stability and the international nuclear non-proliferation system. Unfortunately, the implementation of this agreement was disrupted by the US’s insistence on withdrawing. Now, the situation has reached a critical juncture again. Wang Yi stressed that we must buy time for peace, resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, and oppose resorting to force and illegal sanctions. We must abide by international rules, maintain the integrity of the nuclear non-proliferation system, appreciate Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, and respect Iran’s right to peacefully use nuclear energy. We must actively seek to expand consensus and strive to find a reasonable solution that takes into account the concerns of all parties through consultation.
Wang Yi said that the three countries’ vice foreign ministers successfully held a meeting in Beijing on the Iranian nuclear issue and issued a joint statement, which is an important step in the right direction. We will also strengthen communication with other parties to the Iranian nuclear issue and urge them to show political sincerity and return to talks as soon as possible. Peace can still be fought for and should not be given up easily. Unilateral sanctions will only intensify conflicts, and dialogue and negotiation are the only option.
Wang Yi put forward China’s five proposals on properly resolving the Iranian nuclear issue: First, we must adhere to the peaceful settlement of disputes through political and diplomatic means and oppose resorting to force and illegal sanctions. Second, we must adhere to the balance of power and responsibilities and coordinate the goals of nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Third, we must adhere to the framework of the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue to reach a new consensus and resume dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible. Fourth, we must adhere to dialogue to promote cooperation and oppose the forced intervention of the UN Security Council. We must act cautiously on the “rapid restoration of sanctions”. Fifth, we must adhere to the principle of step-by-step equality and seek consensus through consultation. As a permanent member of the Security Council and a participant in the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue, China will maintain communication and coordination with all parties, actively promote peace and dialogue, and play a constructive role in promoting the early resumption of talks.
Russia and Iran are willing to maintain and strengthen communication and cooperation with China in international multilateral mechanisms such as the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Joint Statement of the Beijing Meeting between China, Russia and Iran
The Beijing Meeting between China, Russia and Iran was successfully held on March 14, 2025. The Beijing Meeting was chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu of the People’s Republic of China, with participation of Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich of the Russian Federation and Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
China, Russia and Iran engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest state of play with regard to nuclear issue and sanctions lifting. The three countries emphasized on the necessity of terminating all unlawful unilateral sanctions.
The three countries reiterated that political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remains the only viable and practical option in this regard.
The three countries emphasized that relevant parties should be committed to addressing the root cause of the current situation and abandoning sanction, pressure, or threat of force.
The three countries stressed the importance of the UNSC Resolution 2231, including its timeframes, and called for relevant parties to refrain from any action that may escalate the situation, so as to create a favourable atmosphere and conditions for diplomatic efforts.
The three countries reiterated the importance of upholding the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of international non-proliferation regime. China and Russia welcomed Iran’s reiteration that its nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes and not for development of nuclear weapons, and also welcomed Iran’s commitment to full compliance with its obligations under the NPT and Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement, supported Iran’s policy to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and stressed the need to fully respect Iran’s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy as a State Party to the NPT. The three countries stressed the necessity for all States to refrain from any action that undermines the technical, objective and impartial work of the IAEA.
Iran and Russia commended China for its constructive role and hosting the Beijing meeting. The three countries agreed to continue their close consultation and cooperation in the future.
The three countries also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, and agreed to maintain and strengthen their coordination in international organizations and multilateral arrangements such as BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.