Chinese Foreign Minister Defends Iran Amid Protests
During a meeting on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed strong support for the Iranian regime, cautioning the U.S. against interfering by endorsing the protesters who have faced violent crackdowns.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that Wang met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This meeting took place as Iran grapples with severe inflation and deteriorating living conditions, particularly in major cities like Tehran. Over the past two weeks, protests erupted in response to tax increases linked to the Islamic calendar, demanding an end to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s rule. The Iranian government’s violent response to these protests has led to thousands of deaths, with some human rights organizations estimating around 20,000 fatalities since the unrest began on December 30.
Wang’s comments seemed to downplay the protests, focusing instead on U.S. President Donald Trump’s assurances of support for Iranian protesters. The U.S. had previously imposed new sanctions on Iran, which was already under severe sanctions as a known state sponsor of terrorism, along with 25% tariffs on countries engaging economically with Iran, notably affecting China.
The state-run Global Times quoted Wang, stating that he conveyed to Araghchi China’s opposition to the use of force in international matters and rejected any attempts to impose one country’s will on another. Interestingly, he seemed optimistic that Iran would navigate through the significant domestic opposition it faces.
According to the South China Morning Post, Araghchi echoed the Iranian government’s stance that the protests were instigated by external forces, a claim that lacks supporting evidence. He emphasized, without elaborating, Iran’s desire for dialogue.
The protests in Iran have drawn some attention from the Chinese government, which is keen on maintaining its influence in the Middle East while avoiding direct association with the violence in Iran. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry stated that the country has clearly outlined its position on the matter, reiterating its stance against external interference and advocating for peace in the region.
While the Chinese Communist Party has not condemned the Iranian government’s actions against the protesters, it has openly criticized the U.S. tariffs. Mao Zedong, speaking on behalf of the government, emphasized that there are no winners in a tariff war and reaffirmed China’s commitment to protect its rights and interests.
The Chinese embassy in Washington voiced concerns about the effects of protectionism, committing to take necessary actions against the tariffs without addressing the human rights issues involved. These tariffs followed Trump’s directive to detain and extradite Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro, altering trade routes to favor U.S. interests that may affect Iran’s oil economy. Reports suggest potential for China to increase oil imports from Iran to make up for losses from Venezuela, although this is complicated by ongoing sanctions and instability.
Coverage by the state-run Global Times largely framed the Iranian protests as a reflection of U.S. actions, criticizing the U.S. for what they termed a “hybrid pressure campaign” against Tehran. Experts from the party predicted that U.S. military actions, if taken, would be short-lived and manageable, yet they accused the U.S. of exacerbatin the tensions through aggressive rhetoric.
Interestingly, Trump commented on the situation, suggesting that Iran might be open to negotiations, implying that they are weary of continuous hostility. He remarked on the unworthy loss of life, expressing concern over leaders who govern through violence as he reflected on Iran’s current situation.
