RismadarVoice Reporters
October 21, 2026
China and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to diplomatic dialogue and regional stability following high-level discussions on the security situation in the Middle East.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang met Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, on Monday, October 19, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
According to a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on the continuing tensions in the Middle East, bilateral cooperation and efforts to resolve regional conflicts through peaceful negotiations.
Li reiterated Beijing’s commitment to promoting dialogue, stressing that the sovereignty and security of all countries must be respected.
He referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposals aimed at safeguarding peace, strengthening regional security and encouraging diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the Middle East.
The Chinese premier maintained that all parties involved in regional disputes should prioritise peaceful engagement and return to negotiations rather than pursue further confrontation.
He said China would continue supporting international efforts to reduce tensions and restore stability across the region.
Li also highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relationship between China and Iran, noting that both countries had maintained cooperation despite changing international circumstances.
He observed that 2026 marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the tenth anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
According to him, Beijing remains committed to strengthening exchanges with Tehran in areas of mutual interest while expanding cooperation through international organisations.
Responding, Aref expressed Iran’s appreciation for China’s diplomatic efforts and its support for resolving regional disputes through dialogue.
He reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation with China within multilateral platforms, including the SCO and BRICS.
The Iranian vice president also expressed hope for a return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and progress towards restoring peace and security in the region.
The discussions took place amid continuing geopolitical tensions involving Iran and other Middle Eastern countries, with the security situation affecting international trade, energy supplies and diplomatic relations.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation provides a platform for member states to discuss regional security, economic development and international cooperation.
China has increasingly presented diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation as central elements of its approach to resolving international conflicts.
Although both countries expressed support for peaceful negotiations, the meeting did not produce a publicly announced ceasefire agreement or a new timetable for formal peace talks.
The discussions nevertheless reaffirmed Beijing and Tehran’s stated commitment to continued diplomatic engagement as international efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East continue.
