China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on Thursday emphasized that the immediate priority in the Middle East is to return the United States and Iran to negotiations, stressing the importance of a diplomatic path forward.
He noted that the ongoing conflict has disrupted global energy security and raised concerns over safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Wang made these remarks in Beijing during talks with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
He reiterated China’s stance in favor of resolving international disputes through dialogue and consultation, while opposing the use of military force.
Wang also voiced support for ongoing mediation efforts, including initiatives led by Pakistan, and affirmed China’s willingness to work with all parties involved to help reduce tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a ten-day ceasefire.
“I had excellent talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and they agreed that in order to achieve peace between their two countries, they will officially begin a ten-day ceasefire at 5:00 PM US Eastern Coast Time.” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
He added: “On Tuesday, the two countries met for the first time in 34 years here in Washington, D.C.”
In a significant diplomatic development, Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States held direct discussions in Washington—their first such engagement in decades—and agreed to pursue further negotiations at a later stage.
The conflict extended into Lebanon on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets targeting Israeli positions. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and limited ground operations in southern Lebanon, leading to thousands of casualties.
