Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2026. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

At the press conference, Wang Yi briefed his take on how China views the current situation in Iran and the propositions for resolving the Iran issue as the US and Israel recently launched a military operation against Iran.

Wang said that this is an issue of great concern to all parties and a focal point of the current international landscape. China has consistently upheld an objective and fair stance, repeatedly articulating its principled position, which can be summed up in one sentence: cease fire and halt hostilities. 

The Chinese foreign minister then quoted an ancient Chinese saying: "Wars are ominous instruments, not to be used without due cause." 

In the face of the Middle East engulfed in conflict, he emphasized, "this is a war that should never have started and one that benefits no party involved." 

The history of the Middle East has repeatedly taught the world that the use of force is not a solution to problems, and that armed confrontation will only breed new hatred and new crises, Wang said. 

During the meeting, the Chinese foreign minister once again calls for an immediate cessation of military operations, prevention of the situation from escalating in a spiral, and avoidance of the spillover and spread of the flames of war.

Wang emphasized five fundamental principles that China believes should be adhered in the proper and appropriate handling of issues related to Iran and the Middle East.

First is to respect national sovereignty. Sovereignty is the cornerstone of the current international order. We maintain that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and all countries in the Gulf region must be respected and shall not be violated, Wang said. 

Second is to avoid the wanton use of force. Might does not equal right, and the world cannot revert to the law of the jungle. The reckless use of force does not prove one's strength, and ordinary people must not become innocent victims of war. 

Third is the commitment to non-interference in internal affairs. The people of the Middle East are the true masters of this region, and the affairs of the Middle East should be independently decided by the countries in the region. Instigating color revolutions or seeking regime change finds no favor with the people, he said. 

Fourth is the political settlement of hotspot issues. Wang said that China has always believed in prioritizing peace. All parties should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, resolve differences through equal-footed dialogue, and work toward achieving common security. 

In stating the fifth principle, Wang said major countries should play a constructive role and use their strength with good faith. There is another ancient Chinese adage: "When benevolence and justice are not practiced, the dynamics of offense and defense can reverse." Major countries should uphold fairness, follow the right path, and contribute more positive energy to peace and development in the Middle East.

As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, Wang said that China is willing to work with them to implement the Global Security Initiative, to restore order to the Middle East, tranquility to its people, and peace to the world.