China’s foreign minister Wang Yi has assured his Iranian counterpart that China will continue backing Iran’s sovereignty and security against foreign interference. They emerged after Wang promised during his meeting with Iran’s newly appointed President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York on August 27, during the UN General Assembly, based on an announcement issued by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

Wang reassured Pezeshkian that China would remain ‘A Reliable Friend to Iran’ and would support Iran’s attempts to defend its sovereignty and national pride. He said, “China will remain a steadfast partner in defending Iran’s sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national sovereignty.” He also expressed China’s stand against any interference with Iran’s domestic situation and was angered by sanctions and other pressures that were being applied to Tehran.

This meeting came at a time when violence in the Middle East was increasing due to the Israeli air force that was increasing its attacks on Hezbollah – Iran’s allied group. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in recent weeks has increased tensions in the area. Lebanon alone said that over the weekend, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 558. Sources said on Monday this was the worst incident since the Lebanese civil war, which occurred from 1975-1990.

Iran, which has been an arch-enemy of Israel for a long time now, has been involved in the Middle East conflict. It defends several armed companies within the areas, i.e. in Gaza, Hamas and Lebanon Hezbollah. It also stated that Tehran’s relationship with these groups has made it an actor in the region’s ongoing conflicts.

China, being one of the oldest friends of Iran, is Iran’s largest trading partner and among the largest importers of Iranian oil, irrespective of the rich nations that imposed sanctions on Iran. For instance, both countries have experienced pressure from other countries regarding their stand on topical issues like the ongoing war in Ukraine. Chinese policy towards Iran has not changed: Beijing has rejected Western sanctions on Iran and non-intervention in Iranian affairs.

When the confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah increases, the Iranian sponsor of the movement comes under increased scrutiny from the international community. When turmoil started in the Middle East, Beijing continued to support Iran. The above proves China’s partnership with Iran in regional and international politics.

It remains a fragile situation, and the violence that for what sometimes may seem like an eternity has again returned to Lebanon while the diplomatic attempts aimed at restoring a relative calm are still far from encountering such a simple task.