Beijing: China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, on Sunday cautioned against efforts to instigate regime change in Iran amidst the ongoing US-Israel offensive, emphasizing that such actions lack popular support. "Plotting a 'color' revolution or seeking regime change will find no popular support," Wang Yi stated during an annual news conference held in Beijing, as reported by state-run Xinhua News.
According to Anadolu Agency, Wang Yi underscored the importance of respecting Iran's sovereignty and urged an immediate halt to military operations in the Middle East to prevent escalation and mitigate the conflict's potential spillover effects. "This is a war that should not have happened, and it is a war that does no one any good," Wang remarked. He highlighted that force does not present a viable solution and that armed conflict only serves to fuel hatred and trigger new crises.
Wang emphasized that the people of the Middle East should be the arbiters of their region's affairs, advocating for non-interference in internal matters. This view aligns with a classified US National Intelligence Council report indicating that even a large-scale US military offensive might fail to dismantle Iran's entrenched military and clerical power structure.
The report, disclosed by The Washington Post, challenges US President Donald Trump's assertion that he could dismantle Iran's leadership and appoint a preferred successor, suggesting that such outcomes are far from guaranteed. Wang Yi called for all parties involved to resume negotiations promptly, resolve differences through dialogue, and pursue collective security.
China, Wang noted, is committed to collaborating with Middle Eastern nations to restore order, bring calm to the region's people, and promote global peace. He also addressed the Palestinian conflict, asserting that a two-state solution remains the only "equitable and widely recognized" resolution to the Palestinian issue. Wang reiterated China's support for Palestine's pursuit of legitimate national rights and international efforts to ensure justice for the Palestinian people.
Discussing global relations, Wang advocated for "multipolar coexistence" and encouraged China and the US to uphold mutual respect, manage differences, and pursue "win-win" cooperation. He expressed optimism for a significant year in China-US relations and the potential for 2026 to mark a year of sound, steady progress.
Wang also reaffirmed the stability of China-Russia relations, despite challenges, and highlighted the mutual benefits of trust and cooperation between China and India. Regarding China-Japan relations, Wang emphasized the importance of mutual support and collaboration in building amicable neighborhood ties.
Addressing Taiwan, Wang Yi reiterated that it remains a core aspect of China's foreign policy and a red line that must not be crossed. He stressed that no force will separate Taiwan from China and that the complete reunification of China is an unstoppable historical process.
Wang also touched on the Global Governance Initiative, noting its timely introduction and broad international support. He emphasized the critical role of the UN in global governance and warned against the formation of exclusive blocs that undermine the UN's leading status.
