China says Iran war should not have happened, urges return to talks

BEIJING: China on Friday said the Iran conflict “should not have happened” and called for an immediate return to dialogue, warning that the war was straining the global economy, energy markets and supply chains.

Responding on social media platform X to questions about discussions between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing’s position on the conflict remained “very clear”.

“The conflict has inflicted severe losses on the people in Iran and other regional countries,” the foreign ministry spokesperson said.

“With the spillover still expanding, the conflict has put a heavy strain on global economic growth, supply chains, international trade order and the stability of global energy supply, which hurts the common interests of the international community.”

The foreign ministry said that there was “no point in continuing this conflict which should not have happened in the first place,” adding that resolving the crisis was in the interest of all parties, including the United States, Iran and regional states.

Q: It is reported that during President Trump’s visit to China, the two presidents exchanged views on major international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East. Did the two sides talk about Iran? What is China’s view on the current Iran situation?

A:… pic.twitter.com/XjWtt7Rt43

— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) May 15, 2026

China welcomed the recent US-Iran ceasefire and efforts to pursue negotiations, stressing that dialogue remained the only viable path forward.

“Use of force is a dead end,” the spokesperson said, adding that the “door of dialogue” should remain open and should not be closed again.

Beijing also urged all sides to maintain momentum towards de-escalation, revive political negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and reach a settlement that accommodates the concerns of all parties.

It called for the reopening of shipping lanes as soon as possible, warning that continued disruption was threatening global trade and energy stability.

China reiterated its long-standing position in favour of political settlement, citing previous diplomatic initiatives on Middle East peace and Gulf security, and said it would continue working with the international community to support negotiations.

“China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace talks and achieving lasting stability in the region,” the ministry added.