On August 23, the day before Treasury Secretary Bessent announced, as promised, the “sanctions to beat all sanctions” against Iran and anyone aiding its economy, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a press release on the meeting held in Beijing on August 17, six days before, between Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Miao Deyu and his Iranian counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. For whatever reason, this was the first official Chinese report on the meeting, and as China Daily noted, the decision to release it was meant to send a message. Relations between China and Iran go back decades, and both governments seek to strengthen them.
“Gharibabadi briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments in the Gulf situation and Iran’s position,” the communique reports. He noted, that for the past 10 years of their comprehensive strategic partnership, “Iran and China have maintained close communication and coordination on major international and regional issues,” and conveyed Iran’s interest in deepening cooperation with China “across all fields,” as it “firmly defends its sovereignty and security, while remaining committed to resolving issues through diplomatic negotiations… and looks forward to China playing a greater role in maintaining regional peace and stability.”
