Continuing China's diplomatic push for de-escalation in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with France's presidential diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne, decrying the 'unjust war' on Iran, urging an immediate ceasefire, and calling on UN Security Council permanent members to uphold international law.
On March 21, 2026, Wang Yi—also a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee's Political Bureau—spoke with Bonne at the latter's request about the Middle East crisis. Building on prior outreach to counterparts in 11 countries and shuttle diplomacy by special envoy Zhai Jun, Wang emphasized containing conflict spread, preventing further external involvement, and stabilizing global energy supplies amid the humanitarian crisis.
'Resorting to force will not solve the problem, and the unjust war should not go on,' Wang stated, per the foreign ministry. He urged the international community to push for an immediate ceasefire, advance peace talks, and empower the UN to restore stability. As P5 members, China and France should enhance coordination, defend the UN Charter, and avert a 'law of the jungle.' Wang noted his recent discussions on the conflict with other permanent members, including Russia and Britain.
Bonne shared perspectives on Iran and Lebanon, affirming shared support for UN resolutions, international law, and dialogue.
