As Iranian FM Araghchi heads to China, here is why Beijing may favour a thaw in Iran-US relations

Ahead of the third round of talks between Iran and Washington, China on Monday announced that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will head to Beijing at the invitation of the latter. Chinese ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed Araghchi's visit, stating that the two sides will discuss "bilateral relations and international and regional hot-spot issues of common concern."

However, it is almost certain that Araghchi's visit, coming after his Moscow trip, is to discuss with China the progress of the US-Iran talks,  especially since China previously facilitated discussions regarding Iran's nuclear situation over a month ago. 

"It is natural that we will consult and brief China over the latest developments in Iran-US indirect talks," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday. Baghaei described China’s role in the process of the negotiations as constructive.

Though Iran's relationship with China is mostly economic in nature - China is a major buyer of Iranian oil - Tehran has mostly shown a strong inclination to cooperate with Russia than China. 

Ever since China helped broker a reconciliation agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, there has been a call urging China to mediate international disputes, including those between Iran and Israel. However, it is almost certain that the US is unlikely to let Beijing interfere in its efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. But, the thaw in relations between Iran and the US will be beneficial for Beijing.

Fan Hongda, a professor, at the Middle East Studies Institute, Shanghai International Studies University, said any easing of any international sanctions imposed on Iran will only benefit China. "A more diplomatically diversified Iran is unlikely to abandon China, and this would create more opportunities for cooperation between the two countries," Fan said in an opinion piece that appeared in a Chinese daily.

Besides, good relations between the US and Israel are important for peace in the Middle East. A peaceful Middle East is important for China to exercise its political and economic strength.

Iran has also lavished praise on China, stating that Araghchi’s trip to China highlights Beijing’s prominent role in global diplomacy more than ever. China has advocated for multilateralism and denounced unilateral approaches, Iranian experts claim. 

Middle East