China on Wednesday urged the United States and Iran to return to the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and resume diplomatic negotiations, stressing that political and diplomatic means remain the preferred path to resolving disputes.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing hoped both Washington and Tehran would recommit themselves to dialogue and pursue efforts aimed at ending the conflict and restoring stability in the Middle East.
“Since day one of the conflict, China has been making active efforts to promote the end of the fighting and talks for peace,” Guo said.
He called on the United States and Iran to “choose peace, recommit themselves to the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, and resume dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible.”
According to Guo, China remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities and addressing the issues underlying the confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
He said Beijing would continue to uphold a series of initiatives and proposals put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping concerning peace and stability in the Middle East.
China will “continue working for restoring peace and tranquility in the Middle East and Gulf region at an early date,” Guo added.
Beijing Calls for Diplomatic Resolution
China's latest appeal comes amid continuing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
According to the account provided, the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran on Feb. 28. Iran subsequently responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important routes for the transportation of energy supplies.
The Pentagon also imposed a military blockade of Iranian ports, further intensifying the confrontation and increasing concerns over regional security and the potential effects on international energy and maritime trade.
The Strait of Hormuz is particularly significant because a substantial share of global energy shipments passes through the waterway. Any prolonged disruption could therefore have consequences extending beyond the countries directly involved in the conflict.
Islamabad Memorandum
Diplomatic efforts to end the confrontation have continued since the June 18 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
The MoU was aimed at providing a framework for negotiations toward a final peace agreement, including discussions concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme.
China is now urging both Washington and Tehran to return to that framework and use it as a basis for renewed negotiations.
Guo's remarks reflect Beijing's stated preference for resolving international disputes through political dialogue rather than continued military confrontation. China has repeatedly called for de-escalation in the Middle East and has sought to position itself as a supporter of diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
The Chinese government has also emphasized the importance of maintaining stability around the Gulf, where continued military tensions could affect regional countries as well as global energy and trade networks.
Continued Chinese Engagement
Guo said China would maintain its efforts to promote peace and support negotiations between the parties.
Beijing's position is that sustained dialogue remains necessary to address the outstanding issues between the United States and Iran, including questions surrounding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear activities.
China's call for the two sides to return to the Islamabad MoU therefore places renewed emphasis on diplomatic engagement as efforts continue to find a way out of the conflict.
For Beijing, restoring peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region remains a priority, with the Foreign Ministry signaling that China intends to continue diplomatic efforts toward that objective.
