Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, press conference [Xinhua News Agency]

Wang Yi, China's top diplomat and Foreign Minister, called for an immediate ceasefire and political resolution to the "unnecessary war" in Iran, which began with airstrikes by the United States and Israel.

He also emphasized cooperation with the United States ahead of President Donald Trump's visit, stating that the two countries should prepare for high-level exchanges and exclude any unnecessary interference.

Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, explained the direction of China's foreign policy for the year during a press conference on diplomacy at the National People's Congress on the morning of March 8, answering a total of 21 questions (10 from Chinese media, 11 from foreign media) for about an hour and a half.

This was Wang's 12th press conference at the NPC since 2014.

Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, press conference [Xinhua News Agency]

◇ "Problems Cannot Be Solved by Force... Return to the Negotiation Table"

Regarding the war in Iran, Wang stated, "As the Middle East is engulfed in the flames of war, what I want to say is that this is a war that should not have happened, and a war that benefits no one."

He then used the phrase "兵者, 凶器也, 不可不审用" (Bīng zhě, xiōng qì yě, bùkě bù shěn yòng).

This phrase, found in the writings of the Warring States period philosopher Han Feizi, means "War is a tool that brings disaster, so it must be used with extreme caution." It is interpreted as an indirect criticism of the United States and Israel.

He continued, "History has repeatedly shown that force cannot solve problems," and pointed out, "Armed conflict only breeds new hatred and crises."

Wang presented the basic principles for resolving the Iran and Middle East issues as respecting national sovereignty, opposing the abuse of force, non-interference in internal affairs, and political resolution. He stated, "Sovereignty is the foundation of the current international order, and the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and the Gulf countries must all be respected."

He further emphasized, "Strength does not always equate to righteousness," and asserted, "The world should not operate according to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak."

However, while criticizing the US invasion of Iran, Wang did not directly mention the United States.

He added, "All countries should return to the negotiation table as soon as possible and resolve conflicts through equal dialogue," and urged, "Major powers in particular should play a constructive role."

Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, press conference [Xinhua News Agency]

◇ "Prepare for High-Level US-China Exchanges... Exclude Unnecessary Interference"

Wang also emphasized cooperation with the United States in anticipation of President Trump's visit.

"Given the significant impact of China-US relations on the world, if the two countries do not engage with each other, misunderstandings and misjudgments can arise, ultimately leading to conflict and confrontation," he said.

"As both China and the United States are major powers, we cannot change each other, but we can change how we deal with each other," Wang stated. "We must adhere to the principle of peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and pursue cooperation and mutual benefit."

He noted that communication between the leaders of the two countries plays a crucial role in stabilizing relations, saying, "The leaders of the two countries have maintained good exchanges at the highest level, which has become an important strategic guarantee for the improvement and development of China-US relations."

Seemingly acknowledging President Trump's upcoming visit, Wang said, "This year is an important year for China-US relations. High-level exchange schedules are already being discussed, so both sides need to make thorough preparations and create a suitable environment."

He stressed, "Both sides must manage existing differences and exclude unnecessary interference."

"China's stance has always been proactive and open, and what is important is for the United States to move in the same direction," Wang added. "If both countries increase their list of cooperation and reduce their list of problems based on sincerity and trust, 2026 can become a symbolic year for the healthy and stable development of China-US relations."

Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, press conference [Xinhua News Agency]

◇ Calls for Historical Reflection from Japan... "The Taiwan Issue is China's Internal Affair"

He strongly criticized Japan, whose relations have recently soured due to remarks by Sanae Takaichi, a Japanese minister, suggesting intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency.

Mentioning that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial, Wang stated, "80 years ago, judges from 11 countries, through trials lasting two and a half years, clarified the aggressive crimes of Japanese militarism. The Tokyo Trial was a verdict that demonstrated humanity's conscience and historical justice."

The Tokyo Trial, held from May 1946 to November 1948, refers to the trials convened to deal with Japan's major war criminals during World War II.

"History is giving Japan another opportunity to reflect on itself," Wang urged. "The Japanese people must keep their eyes open and ensure that no one repeats the path of the past."

He then countered, "The Taiwan issue is entirely China's internal affair. What right does Japan have to exercise self-defense when problems arise in China's Taiwan region?"

"China and the 1.4 billion Chinese people will never tolerate any force that glorifies colonial rule or justifies aggression," he declared.

In contrast, regarding relations with Russia, he quoted a poem by Du Fu, "風雨不動安如山" (Fēng yǔ bù dòng ān rú shān - stable as Mount Tai, unmoved by wind and rain), and assessed that bilateral relations are maintained stably despite changes in the external environment.

Meanwhile, at the press conference, Wang did not take any questions from South Korean media and did not state China's position on South Korea-China relations or issues concerning the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea.