Wang Yi meets former British PM Tony Blair

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Beijing on Monday.

Wang, who is also a member of the Communist Party of China’s Political Bureau, emphasized that as permanent members of the UN Security Council and influential global powers, both China and the UK have a responsibility to uphold international duties, demonstrate leadership, and contribute meaningfully to global peace and development.

He noted that recent phone calls and meetings between the leaders of China and the UK have helped steer bilateral ties toward recovery and progress. Wang welcomed the UK’s commitment to a stable and consistent China policy rooted in mutual respect.

He expressed China’s willingness to work with Britain to implement the consensus reached by both nations’ leaders, increase cross-sectoral engagement, build deeper mutual understanding, and support the sound and stable development of China-UK relations.

Tony Blair remarked that efforts to isolate China are futile, stressing the global need for deeper understanding of the country. He advocated for enhanced dialogue at governmental and societal levels, along with broad, mutually beneficial cooperation to ensure sustained bilateral progress.

On the issue of the Israel-Iran conflict, Wang emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue. He criticized Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran and U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, monitored by the IAEA, as actions that undermine diplomacy and set a troubling global precedent favoring military solutions over negotiations.

Wang urged all involved parties to take concrete steps to reduce tensions and return to political dialogue to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

Blair echoed these concerns, stating that the UK is seriously alarmed by the Israel-Iran conflict and supports a swift return to diplomatic negotiations to achieve lasting regional peace and security.