On May 17, 2019, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif of Iran in Beijing.

Wang Yi noted that at the critical moment of the rapid evolution of current international and regional situation, it is necessary for China and Iran, as comprehensive strategic partners, to enhance communication and coordination. The Chinese side firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and the so-called "long-arm jurisdiction" imposed by the United States on Iran, understands the situation and concerns of the Iranian side, and supports the Iranian side in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. The Chinese side firmly safeguards the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue, and maintains the authority of the United Nations and the basic norms governing international relations. Disputes centering on the JCPOA are essentially a fight between multilateralism and unilateralism. Multilateralism represents the right direction of history progress. The Chinese side appreciates that the Iranian side has seriously fulfilled its obligations in the JCPOA, and expresses it has no intention to withdraw from the JCPOA. The Chinese side is willing to, together with the Iranian side, eliminate the interference of complex factors to fully implement the JCPOA. The Iranian side is welcome to actively participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Chinese side is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries during the process of the joint construction of the BRI, so as to push China-Iran relations for further and in-depth development.

Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed that the Iranian side is not held accountable for the current tense situation. The Iranian side has no intention to withdraw from the JCPOA, and stands ready to keep communication with various parties including China on maintaining and implementing the agreement. The Iranian side does not want war and hopes to see the Gulf region maintain peace and stability, and wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain in international water way. Iran will properly handle the current situation. Appreciating the Chinese side for playing an important role in safeguarding the JCPOA, the Iranian side is willing to intensify bilateral and multilateral coordination with the Chinese side to safeguard the common interests of the two countries and uphold multilateralism. Considering China as an all-round cooperative partner, the Iranian side stands ready to take the joint construction of the BRI as an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral practical cooperation.

Both sides also exchanged views on issues of common concern including the Afghan issue, the Syrian issue, and the situation in West Asia and North Africa.