China backs Iran as tensions rise in Gulf and Hormuz

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced Beijing's support for Iran as tensions in the Middle East Gulf region rose again. Wang met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday, July 24, on the sidelines of a meeting of foreign ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. In the meeting, Wang said China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity. He also said a memorandum of understanding signed more than a month ago should not be allowed to fail, and that negotiating channels must be reopened. Beijing said the handling of the Strait of Hormuz needs to be carried out appropriately, while continuing its support for Pakistan's mediation and for improving relations among neighboring countries in the region.