Ali Baqeri Kani, deputy for international affairs at the Secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, landed in Beijing yesterday, where he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi upon his arrival. Baqeri discussed developments arising from the U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran, Tehran’s diplomatic initiatives to end the war, and ways to strengthen sustainable security in the region, reported Tasnim.

Baqeri emphasized that Iran would not compromise on defending its sovereignty and national security, describing the U.S. and Israeli acts of aggression against Iran, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and members of his family, as an unforgettable crime. “We consider these actions to constitute war crimes, and such crimes must not be allowed to continue,” he said.

Baqeri emphasized that Iran’s position on defending its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unchanged, stressing that Iran would make no concessions on these matters. He also warned of the consequences of the U.S. pursuit of war and domination, saying that a war against a civilization could not lead to victory and would instead disrupt the global economy.

“Wang Yi stated that as fighting in the Middle East drags on and its spillover effects spread, dialogue and negotiations offer the way forward,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “All parties should act with a sense of responsibility to their people and to history, meet each other halfway, and focus on a political solution in a rational and pragmatic manner, rather than resort to arms again. China stands ready to follow the initiatives and propositions put forward by President Xi Jinping on easing the situation in the Middle East and work together with all parties continuously to restore regional peace.”