China Urges Immediate Ceasefire in U.S.-Iran Conflict Amid Global Economic Concerns

China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, on Wednesday called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, urging an end to the two-month conflict that has destabilized global markets and regional security.

Wang described China’s position as “deeply distressed” by the escalating violence, emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue and negotiations to prevent further hostilities. His remarks came during a meeting with Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, who was visiting Beijing for the first time since the conflict began on February 28.

China’s Role in the Crisis

China’s close economic and political ties with Tehran position it as a key mediator in the conflict. The Trump administration has urged Beijing to leverage this relationship to persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies. The strait’s closure by Iran has disrupted trade, sent fuel prices soaring, and intensified economic pressure on major powers, including China.

On Wednesday, the spot price of Brent crude oil fell to around $100 per barrel, easing from earlier spikes but remaining significantly higher than the $70 per barrel price before the war began.

Diplomatic Efforts and Upcoming Summit

Araghchi’s visit to Beijing precedes a high-profile summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for May 14–15. This would mark Trump’s first visit to China during his second term and the first by a U.S. president since 2017.

During the meeting, Wang reiterated China’s stance, stating:

“We believe that a comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed, that a resumption of hostilities is not acceptable, and that it is particularly important to remain committed to dialogue and negotiations.”

He added that the conflict, now in its third month, has caused serious losses to the Iranian people and posed a severe threat to regional and global peace.

Iran’s Nuclear Program and Sanctions

In a televised interview with Iran’s state media, Araghchi discussed the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and ongoing sanctions. He claimed Iran has achieved an “elevated international standing” by demonstrating its strength and resilience amid the conflict.

U.S. Pressure on China

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to use its influence to pressure Iran into lifting its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as Tehran’s primary leverage in negotiations over its disputed nuclear program.

During a White House briefing, Rubio stated:

“I hope the Chinese tell him what he needs to be told.”

The U.S. had previously paused efforts to guide commercial vessels through the strait, hoping to finalize a deal. However, a fragile ceasefire has largely held despite recent exchanges of fire during the U.S. push to reopen the waterway.