Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a comprehensive ceasefire in the Iran conflict during talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, urging all parties to swiftly respond to international demands for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. China, while not an official mediator, has positioned itself as a key diplomatic actor, with both Washington and Tehran acknowledging its growing role in de-escalation efforts.

Araghchi, in his first visit to Beijing since the war began on February 28, stated that conditions exist for a prompt resolution to reopen the strategic waterway, according to China's Xinhua news agency. Wang affirmed China's appreciation of Iran's pledge not to develop nuclear weapons, while recognizing its right to peaceful nuclear energy use. The U.S. has pressed Beijing to leverage its economic ties with Iran, particularly as Tehran's largest oil buyer, to influence a breakthrough.

The talks come ahead of next week's expected meeting in Beijing between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping, where the conflict is anticipated to be a central topic. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Chinese officials to use the visit to push Tehran toward easing its hold on the Strait. Analysts note China's unique leverage through trade, reconstruction incentives, and past diplomatic successes, including brokering Saudi-Iran rapprochement in 2023.

China has avoided high-risk mediation but has stepped in when diplomatic conditions appear favorable, hosting ceasefire talks in regional disputes involving Thailand-Cambodia and promoting peace initiatives in Ukraine. Its current outreach underscores a broader effort to assert influence in global security matters without formal mediation mandates.

The Trump-Xi summit will resume diplomatic discussions next week, with U.S. and Chinese officials expected to coordinate positions on de-escalation, maritime security, and postwar reconstruction in the region.