Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi to Visit China Ahead of Xi-Trump Talks, Meet Wang Yi

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to travel to China on September 16 for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to an announcement by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His visit comes just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to travel to the United States for a high-level meeting with US President Donald Trump.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Araghchi’s visit and said Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, would hold discussions with his Iranian counterpart. Xi Jinping is expected to meet Trump in the United States on September 24. Trump recently confirmed the date while addressing executives from the US travel industry and expressed optimism about the upcoming engagement with the Chinese leader.

The timing of Araghchi’s visit is significant as Iran continues to face heightened tensions in West Asia following its military confrontation with the United States. Tehran has been engaging with major international partners as it seeks diplomatic support and discussions on the rapidly changing regional situation. Araghchi and Wang Yi have maintained regular diplomatic contact in recent months. The two foreign ministers met in July on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kyrgyzstan. They also held a separate meeting during the BRICS Summit.

The upcoming China visit follows Iran’s participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian headed Tehran’s delegation. During the summit, Pezeshkian urged BRICS countries to adopt practical measures against what he described as unilateral and unjust sanctions. He also called for a stronger role for the grouping in dealing with international conflicts and growing geopolitical tensions.

Pezeshkian argued that BRICS nations should oppose attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities, warning that such actions could pose a broader threat to international peace and security. He also highlighted the Palestinian issue and said the bloc had an important role to play in supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

BRICS leaders subsequently adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, which called for changes in global governance structures and greater representation for developing nations. The declaration also voiced concern over rising tensions in West Asia and urged restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The leaders further stressed the importance of keeping international trade, supply chains and energy flows running smoothly in line with international law. During his visit to New Delhi, Pezeshkian also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their discussions covered India-Iran relations as well as the security situation in West Asia.

Modi emphasised the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to restore long-term peace and stability in the region. He also underlined the need to protect freedom of navigation, maintain uninterrupted commercial activity and ensure the safety of seafarers, particularly amid concerns surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Against this backdrop, Araghchi’s meeting with Wang Yi is expected to focus on developments in West Asia as well as wider international and diplomatic issues. The talks could also offer Beijing and Tehran an opportunity to coordinate their positions ahead of Xi Jinping’s anticipated discussions with Trump in Washington.