China has called for a “comprehensive ceasefire” in the Iran war and for the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz during a visit by Tehran’s foreign minister to Beijing.Foreign minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that Beijing was Tehran’s “trustworthy strategic partner”, as China seeks to balance its ties with the Islamic republic and other Gulf states.
“A comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed,” said Wang, according to a state media readout of his meeting on Wednesday with Araghchi, who is making his first visit to Beijing since the beginning of the war.
“The international community shares a common concern over restoring normal and secure navigation through the Strait [of Hormuz] and China hopes the parties concerned will respond as soon as possible to the strong calls from the international community,” he added.