On March 2, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a phone call with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.

Jean-Noël Barrot shared the French perspective on the current situation in the Middle East, underscoring that France and China, both permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, have special responsibility for upholding international peace and security. The U.S and Israel did not seek the opinions from the U.N. Security Council regarding their military action against Iran, nor did they obtain authorization from the Council. All parties should work together to de-escalate the tensions and resolve such issues as the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiation. China has maintained good relations with both Iran and other Gulf states. France looks forward to joining hands with China to proactively ease the situation in the region.

Wang Yi reiterated China’s principled position, stressing that the international community should reject any act that violates international law and refrain from applying double standards. Major countries must not be allowed to attack others at will with their military might, nor should the world revert to the law of the jungle. The Iranian nuclear issue should eventually return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement. China hopes that France will uphold an objective and just position, remain calm and rational, and work with China to de-escalate the situation, jointly safeguarding the basic norms of international relations.