China Positions Itself as Neutral Actor After US-Iran Interim Deal

China hosted a series of high-level visits and issued statements welcoming the interim US-Iran agreement reached after weeks of talks. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Beijing stands ready to play an active role in restoring peace and tranquillity to the Middle East.

The same spokesperson, Lin Jian, pointed to a four-point peace proposal released by Xi Jinping in April and described China’s efforts to end the war as tireless. US President Donald Trump said at a G7 press conference in France that the Chinese leader stayed neutral and helped reach a solution.

China weathered the energy disruptions from the conflict better than many neighbors because of its strategic oil reserves and expansion of electric vehicles. Officials continued purchasing Iranian oil despite US sanctions while avoiding direct involvement in weapons supply.

Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Beijing days before the memorandum of understanding was signed on Wednesday. Leaders from Pakistan and other nations also traveled to the capital during the conflict period. Chinese officials have framed these visits as evidence that Beijing favors political settlement over military action.

A Tsinghua University fellow said the conflict raises the political and reputational costs for any single power seeking dominance in the region. The interim agreement triggers a 60-day period for final negotiations. Beijing has not confirmed any formal guarantor role in those talks.