Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Beijing for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
This marks Araghchi’s first visit to China since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran beginning Feb. 28 triggered a major disruption in global oil supplies.
China’s Foreign Ministry announced the visit on Tuesday, saying Araghchi was invited for discussions on regional and international issues.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the trip via a statement on its Telegram channel.
The two diplomats have spoken several times by phone during the recent nine-week conflict. China has called for an immediate ceasefire and respect for national sovereignty.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a critical route for about one fifth of the world’s oil trade. Disruptions there have caused sharp rises in global energy prices and forced importing countries to seek alternative supplies.
The visit comes just ahead of President Donald Trump travels to Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, expected around mid-May.
Trump said on May 5 that he was looking forward to the meeting, which would be the first by a U.S. president in nearly a decade. The last U.S. president to visit Beijing was Trump in 2017, during his first term.
U.S. officials have urged China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. On May 4, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News: “Let’s see them step up with some diplomacy and get the Iranians to open the strait.”
Bessent also called on China to support international efforts to escort ships through the waterway.
China is one of the largest buyers of Iranian oil. It has sought to protect its energy imports while maintaining relations with Gulf countries and the United States.
The recent conflict severely restricted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, creating the most serious global oil supply shock in recent history. China, which relies heavily on imported energy, has worked to prevent domestic shortages.
Beijing has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the region because of its economic ties.
Iranian officials previously credited China with helping secure acceptance of a ceasefire, although Chinese state media disputed that specific role.
Araghchi’s meetings are expected to focus on bilateral ties and the current regional situation.