By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-03-12 10:16:44 | Updated at 2025-03-12 15:44:58
5 hours ago
China will host high-level talks with Russia and Iran in Beijing this week to address Tehran’s nuclear programme amid growing international concerns and heightened regional tensions.
China’s foreign vice-minister Ma Zhaoxu will chair the trilateral meeting on Friday, joined by Russia’s deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov and Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
The delegates will exchange views on Iran’s nuclear activities and regional security issues, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said during a press briefing on Wednesday.
03:26
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi lays out directions for country’s foreign policies
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi lays out directions for country’s foreign policies
The talks coincide with China deepening strategic ties with Russia and Iran, highlighted by planned naval drills named “Security Belt-2025” in the Gulf of Oman later this month. Beijing’s defence ministry described the joint exercises as aimed at boosting military trust and featuring simulated maritime attacks, search-and-rescue operations and intercept drills.
This military cooperation occurs alongside diplomatic overtures by US President Donald Trump, who recently sought to revive direct nuclear negotiations with Iran. Trump last week said he had sent a personal letter to Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging renewed talks and advocating a diplomatic solution.
“We’re down to final strokes with Iran,” Trump said, stressing his desire to achieve a peace agreement rather than confrontation. Tehran, however, dismissed Trump’s initiative as a “repetitive show”, reflecting continued deep mistrust towards Washington.
Iran has, however, indicated a conditional willingness to discuss its nuclear programme after Trump proposed reducing nuclear stockpiles. According to a statement on Sunday, Tehran’s UN mission said talks could proceed if limited to military aspects. It appeared cautiously open despite Khamenei’s previous strong rejections.
