China sees ‘glimmer of hope’ for peace

March 26, 2026

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said a “glimmer of hope” for peace has emerged in the Middle East, despite Iran’s vow to continue fighting. Wang emphasized the need for dialogue in separate calls with his Turkish and Egyptian counterparts, indicating that both Tehran and Washington had shown signs of being open to negotiations.

“With both the United States and Iran signalling a willingness to negotiate, a glimmer of hope for peace has emerged,” Wang told Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, according to a Beijing readout published late Wednesday and reported by Agence France-Presse.

Tehran Denies Peace Talks

The statement came just hours before Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted, “so far, no negotiations have taken place, and I believe our position is completely principled.”

Former US President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that Iran was participating in peace talks, suggesting that Tehran’s denials may be driven by fears that negotiators could face repercussions at home.

Turkey’s Role in Facilitating Talks

Wang also spoke with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, noting that the rights and wrongs of the Middle East conflict were “crystal clear” and offering China’s support in facilitating renewed dialogue. Turkey has been engaged in “intense” diplomatic efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran, Fidan said this month.

Wang warned:
“Prolonging this war would only result in further casualties and needless losses, leading to a further spillover of the conflict.”