China’s foreign minister issued a forceful defense of the Iranian government on Thursday, urging the United States not to impose what he called “the law of the jungle” by supporting protesters amid a growing death toll in nationwide unrest. The remarks came during a phone call with Iran’s foreign minister as demonstrations have spread across that country in opposition to economic hardship and authoritarian rule.
According to Chinese officials, Wang Yi spoke with his Iranian counterpart about the crisis, warning against foreign interference and forceful tactics in international relations. China’s government has repeatedly positioned itself as opposing external pressure on sovereign nations, a stance it reiterated in this conversation, even as evidence mounts of widespread killings of civilians by Iranian security forces.
Protesters in Iran took to the streets weeks ago in response to inflation, deteriorating living conditions, and other long‑standing grievances. Many demonstrators have called for an end to the rule of the supreme leader and theocratic leadership. Human rights observers say the regime’s response has been deadly, with estimates of thousands of protesters killed as authorities use live ammunition, raids, and other violent measures to suppress dissent.
While the United States has voiced support for the Iranian people and imposed sanctions and tariffs on Iran, China has focused on defending Tehran’s sovereignty and denouncing what it frames as foreign meddling. Beijing’s rhetoric reflects its broader diplomatic approach of non‑interference, even as critics argue that this stance enables brutal crackdowns and ignores human rights abuses.
In Beijing’s statements, China’s foreign ministry maintained that it opposes any nation using force or threats to achieve its will and suggested that stability and peace should be prioritized in international affairs. Chinese officials also offered a supportive outlook for Iran’s leadership, expressing confidence that the regime would navigate the crisis and maintain control despite mounting unrest.
Iranian leaders have portrayed the protests as driven by external forces and unfavorable foreign narratives, a claim made repeatedly by Tehran without presenting evidence. In the same call with Wang Yi, Iran’s foreign minister reiterated this line, asserting that ongoing demonstrations do not reflect the will of the true Iranian people and instead are influenced by outside interests.
China’s public commentary on the situation has largely focused on opposing U.S. sanctions and tariffs related to Iran, including a 25 percent tariff on countries that do business with Iran, which Beijing has criticized as protectionist. Chinese diplomats and state media have framed the U.S. actions as harmful to global economic interests and contrary to principles of free trade, while largely sidestepping the internal violence in Iran.
Despite China’s vocal defense of Iran, the situation inside the country has drawn international concern and condemnation from human rights organizations and governments around the world. Reports from inside Iran indicate that security forces have carried out raids, mass arrests, and lethal attacks on protest sites, leading to fears of an escalating humanitarian crisis.
In contrast to China’s stance, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is monitoring the situation closely, acknowledging casualties and warning that violent reprisals against protesters could prompt a strong response. Trump’s remarks suggest concern over the targeting of civilians, a stance that stands in stark contrast to Beijing’s emphasis on non‑interference and regime stability.
