China affirms support for Iran, but warns against Yemen spillover

In talks with his Iranian counterpart in Beijing on Wednesday, China’s foreign minister reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Tehran, called for a political settlement to the country’s conflict with the US and warned that regional tensions must not further spill over into Yemen.

Wang Yi also urged the earliest possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Abbas Araghchi’s trip to China, his second since the US launched large-scale strikes on Iran in late February, came as Washington expanded sanctions and warned of further measures against those who allegedly support Tehran, including Chinese firms.

Alongside trade and technology, the conflict is likely to be a key topic during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected summit with President Donald Trump in the United States next week.