FMs of China, Iran hold talks ahead of US-China summit

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Iran and the United States to remain "rational and restrained" as he called on the two sides to engage in talks.

The remarks on Wednesday came during Wang's meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Beijing.

China's Foreign Ministry disclosed Wang expressed eagerness to develop relations between Beijing and Tehran, saying China is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Iran to safeguard its legitimate rights.

Regarding the Middle East situation, Wang said China does not want regional tensions to extend to Yemen and the Red Sea and called on relevant parties to engage in talks.

In reply, Araghchi said Iran does not want the fighting to continue and seeks a diplomatic resolution while firmly safeguarding its own interests.

He said Iran believes that its memorandum of understanding with the US remains valid, and that Washington should fulfill all the commitments in it.

The meeting took place ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's summit with US President Donald Trump, scheduled to take place in the United States later this month.

It's believed that China aimed to demonstrate its influence over the situation in the Middle East.