By Jack L. Hyland
BEIJING: As tensions rise over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader implications for Middle East security, China has called for a political settlement to the ongoing nuclear issue, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. The Chinese government’s call comes at a time when the geopolitical landscape is increasingly shaped by the complexities of nuclear proliferation, regional rivalries, and the shifting dynamics of global power.
China’s position on Iran’s nuclear program is grounded in its long-standing policy of promoting peaceful solutions to international disputes. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Beijing’s commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six major world powers, including the U.S., Russia, China, France, the UK, and Germany. Under the terms of the deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for relief from international sanctions. However, the agreement has been in jeopardy since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018 under former President Donald Trump, and subsequent attempts to revive the deal have faced significant obstacles.
China, which has played a key role in the negotiations surrounding the JCPOA, has consistently advocated for its full implementation. Beijing argues that a political and diplomatic solution, rather than military or coercive measures, is the only viable path forward. Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that the international community must work together to create the necessary conditions for renewed dialogue and negotiations between Iran and the remaining signatories of the agreement.
“China is deeply concerned about the escalation of tensions and urges all parties to refrain from actions that could further exacerbate the situation. The resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue must be based on dialogue, mutual respect, and the principles of fairness and justice,” said Wang.
The international community remains divided on how to address Iran’s nuclear program. While Western powers, particularly the United States and European Union, have called for stronger sanctions and increased pressure on Iran to comply with international demands, countries like China and Russia have consistently emphasized the need for diplomacy and respect for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy.
China’s advocacy for a political solution is rooted in its broader foreign policy approach, which prioritizes multilateralism and the strengthening of the United Nations system. Beijing has argued that unilateral sanctions and maximum pressure campaigns, such as those pursued by the Trump administration, have only deepened mistrust and hindered progress towards a peaceful resolution. Instead, China has called for a balanced approach that includes both pressure and incentives to ensure that all parties are committed to the negotiation process.
While China’s stance aligns with that of Russia, who also opposes military intervention and supports the JCPOA, it differs from that of the U.S., which has maintained a more hardline position on Iran since withdrawing from the nuclear deal. President Joe Biden’s administration has expressed a willingness to return to the accord, but progress has stalled as Iran has demanded greater sanctions relief and assurances that the U.S. will not withdraw again in the future.
The Iranian nuclear issue is not just a matter of diplomacy between Tehran and the West; it has wide-reaching implications for regional stability and global security. Iran’s nuclear program is viewed with suspicion by its regional rivals, particularly Israel and Saudi Arabia, who fear that a nuclear-armed Iran would upset the balance of power in the Middle East.
This concern has led to increasing calls for military action to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
However, China’s emphasis on political negotiation serves as a reminder that military action would likely have severe consequences, not only for the Middle East but for global security as well. An armed conflict in the region could disrupt global energy markets, ignite further sectarian violence, and potentially drag other powers into a larger confrontation.
Beijing has consistently advocated for regional stability and has supported initiatives aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East. China’s involvement in the region has grown over the past decade, as the country seeks to secure energy resources, expand trade, and promote its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In this context, China views the Iranian nuclear issue through a lens of strategic stability, believing that a nuclear-armed Iran could lead to a dangerous arms race in the Middle East, with countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt seeking their own nuclear capabilities.
The future of the Iranian nuclear issue remains uncertain. While the U.S. and Iran have engaged in indirect talks through intermediaries, including European Union officials, the prospects for a new nuclear deal remain unclear. Iran’s regional actions, including its involvement in conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, have also complicated diplomatic efforts, as many countries, including the U.S., view Iran’s support for proxy groups as destabilizing.
China’s call for a political settlement is a reminder that the Iranian nuclear issue requires a multilateral approach that takes into account the interests and concerns of all stakeholders. Beijing has expressed its willingness to continue playing a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and negotiations, alongside the other permanent members of the UN Security Council and regional partners.
Ultimately, the Iranian nuclear issue remains a litmus test for the international community’s ability to navigate complex global challenges through diplomacy rather than conflict. China’s leadership on this front underscores its commitment to a rules-based international order and a belief that political solutions, rather than military confrontation, are the key to ensuring long-term peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.
