Iranian FM underscores critical importance of Iran-China relations amid Middle East turmoil

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi underscored the critical importance of Iran-China relations amidst Middle East turmoil and said that the range of collaboration between Iran and China is extensive in a recent interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Beijing.

During the interview which aired on Friday, Araghchi shared his insights on the Iran-China relations and the efforts of the two countries in addressing the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

"I assumed the position of foreign minister in a time of great turmoil in the region. We have several key priorities, one of which is to develop good-neighborly relations with neighboring countries, as well as with nations in the Middle East and the Gulf region, based on mutual respect and common interests. Another priority is to deepen relations with countries that have established strategic partnerships with us, and strengthen cooperation with countries that stood by Iran during the difficult times. This visit to China is my first visit to a country outside the Middle East, because we value our relationship with China, and because the scope of cooperation between Iran and China is vast," said Araghchi.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met and held talks with Araghchi in Beijing on December 28, 2024, to discuss relations between their two countries and international issues of common concern, particularly the Middle East situation.

In in-depth exchange of views on the current situation in the Middle East, the two sides agreed that the Middle East belongs to the people of the Middle East and should not be an arena for great power rivalries, nor should it become a victim of geopolitical competition and conflicts by countries from outside the region.

"The term 'China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership' is very accurate. Building on the earnest development of our bilateral relations, Iran and China have also engaged in close consultations on regional and international issues. The region where Iran is located is full of crises and turmoil, especially in recent months, and actually over the past year or so, since the current round of the Israel-Palestine conflict began. Israel's attack on Gaza has exacerbated the crisis, spilling over into Lebanon. Additionally, there are ongoing issues in Syria and Yemen, as well as the conflict between Iran and Israel, all of which have kept tensions high in the Middle East. During this period, we have maintained close communication with China. Today (December 28, 2024), I held a four-hour meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and the main topic of our discussion was the situation in the Middle East. We discussed how to respond to the issues and how to cooperate. We also exchanged views on international developments," said Araghchi.

Iranian FM underscores critical importance of Iran-China relations amid Middle East turmoil

Iranian FM underscores critical importance of Iran-China relations amid Middle East turmoil

Both supporters and protesters staged rallies near the residence of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday, a day before an arrest warrant for him expires.

On the day, conservative groups supporting Yoon and labor groups which hold opposing views called on the public to gather outside the presidential residence. Both sides sought to control the traffic near the residence.

Supporters of the president stressed that removing him from office would not solve the greater challenges the country faces.

"Some people said that as long as the president is arrested, as long as he steps down, everything will be solved. I think this is wrong, so I want to stand out and show my support," said a supporter.

When asked about Yoon's refusal to cooperate with the investigation into his martial law order in early December, the supporter stressed the necessity of waiting for South Korea's constitutional court's ruling.

Protesters said Yoon's declaration of martial law in December posed a significant threat to the fair governance of the country.

"Everyone may have different ideas, but most people, most citizens think that there is a problem now. If you don't stand out and speak up, there will be no change in the status quo. As an ordinary citizen, I think I should stand out and make my voice heard. Without citizens, this country will not exist, and there will be no constitution. But (Yoon) pointed the gun at the people and the constitution. Under the system of separation of powers, martial law was declared (because the National Assembly did not cooperate with the government to legislate). I can't agree with it at all," a protester said.

The investigators of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) attempted to arrest Yoon in his residence on January 3, but they failed as the presidential security service blocked the execution of the arrest warrant which was issued by the Seoul Western District Court.

A second arrest operation is being planned, but no action has been taken yet.

The arrest warrant remains valid until Monday.

According to multiple media outlets, the CIO will seek the extension of a warrant to arrest the impeached Yoon on Monday after entrusting the National Office of Investigation (NOI) with the task of executing the warrant on Sunday.

The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 last year and delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's presidential power is suspended.

Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on an insurrection charge, declared martial law on the night of December 3, 2024 but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later.

Supporters, protesters gather at impeached South Korean president's residence