Dialogue, negotiation right path for Iran situation: FM spokeswoman

China

Dialogue, negotiation right path for Iran situation: FM spokeswoman

2026-05-25 16:44 Last Updated At：20:47

China always believes that dialogue and negotiation are the right path for the Iran situation, and the use of force is a dead end, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday.

Speaking at a regular press briefing in response to media reports that the United States and Iran are moving closer to an agreement, Mao reaffirmed Beijing's long-held position.

"China's position on the Iran situation is very clear. It is a conflict that should not have happened in the first place and there is no point in prolonging it any more. To find an early way to resolve the situation is in the interest of not only the U.S. and Iran, but also regional countries and the rest of the world," said Mao.

"The recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire and effort to explore resolving issues through negotiation is welcomed by regional countries and the international community. China always believes that dialogue and negotiation is the right way forward, and the use of force is a dead end. It is important to steady the momentum in easing the situation, keep to the direction of political settlement, engage in dialogue and consultation, and reach a settlement that accommodates the concerns of all parties. It is important to reopen the shipping lanes as soon as possible to respond to the call of the international community and jointly keep the global supply chains stable and unimpeded. It is important to reach a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible and enable peace and stability to return to the Middle East and Gulf region at an early date," said Mao. "Since the conflict began, China has been working for peace and an end to the conflict. President Xi Jinping put forward the four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. China will continue to act in line with these propositions, and work with the international community to provide stronger support for peace talks and play a constructive role in achieving lasting peace in the Middle East," said Mao.

Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal

Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.

As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.

Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.

A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.

Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.

"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.

The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.

At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.