DATELINE: BEIJING / WASHINGTON | PUBLISHED: January 12, 2026

BEIJING — The Chinese government has officially called for “peace and stability” in the Middle East, issuing a stern warning against external interference in Iran’s internal affairs. The statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump signals a willingness to intervene militarily to protect protesters in the sanctions-hit nation.

“Firm Opposition” to External Pressure

During a regular news conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning addressed the escalating rhetoric from Washington. “We always oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs,” Mao told reporters when asked about President Trump’s recent comments.

“China hopes the Iranian government and people can overcome current difficulties to maintain national stability,” she added, echoing earlier statements by spokesperson Lin Jian. Beijing’s position remains rooted in its “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with Tehran, a 25-year agreement signed in 2021 that underpins China’s energy and security interests in the region.

The Trump Stance: Negotiations or Intervention?

The Chinese response follows a series of high-stakes reveals by President Trump. Aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump claimed that Iranian leaders had reached out to “negotiate” a new nuclear deal following the devastating U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.

However, the U.S. President paired his diplomatic opening with a “stark warning”: if the Iranian regime continues its violent crackdown on nationwide protests—which have claimed over 540 lives in the last two weeks—the U.S. military is looking at “some very strong options.”

Beijing’s Strategic Balancing Act

While China continues to trade with Iran and support its sovereignty, analysts suggest Beijing is walking a fine line. China remains a key party to the original nuclear deal framework and has consistently called for:

• Political Settlement: Opposing the “snapback” of UN sanctions.

• The UN Charter: Emphasizing respect for national independence.

• De-escalation: Urging both Washington and Tehran to avoid a “miscalculation” that could spark a wider regional war.

Escalating Crisis in Tehran

The internal situation in Iran remains critical. Nationwide protests sparked by the collapse of the rial (now trading at over 1.4 million per USD) have entered their third week. While Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claims the situation is “under total control,” activist reports and internet blackout data suggest the regime is struggling to contain the most significant unrest since 2022.

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