China’s Wang Yi pushes Iran to talk with US about ending war

BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged his Iranian counterpart to engage in negotiations as soon as possible with the US to end the war, according to a government statement on March 24.

Mr Wang, China’s top diplomat, made the comments to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone call, stressing that all parties should resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation rather than the use of force.

“Talking is better than fighting,” Mr Wang said, according to the statement. “All parties should seize every opportunity for peace and start talks as soon as possible.” 

The pressure from Mr Wang comes a day after President Donald Trump said the US was engaged in talks with Iran to end the fighting.

Still, there has been confusion over those purported behind-the-scenes discussions, including about the participants and likelihood of a potential deal.

Iran has denied it is negotiating with the US, while neighbouring Pakistan, a US defence partner, has offered to mediate between the two sides.

Iran and Israel showed no signs of let up in the conflict.

Iran maintained its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel kept up strikes on the Islamic Republic.

Mr Trump is also sending more troops to the region.

Mr Wang has previously called for an immediate ceasefire and for the international community to intensify efforts to promote peace talks. 

Since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran, Tehran has retaliated by striking energy facilities across the Gulf and by effectively shutting the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for oil and gas heading mostly to Asia.

That’s caused global energy prices to soar and brought volatility to markets.

Only a small number of ships have transited the vital waterway since the war began in late February.

That includes vessels with ties to Iran, China and Syria. BLOOMBERG