On May 5, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng gave an exclusive interview to Senior Foreign Policy Writer Tom O’Connor from Newsweek on U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China and China-U.S. relations.

Tom O’Connor asked: Has China, as some alleged, benefited from the war in Iran, or supported Iran militarily? What role has China played in the war so far?

Ambassador Xie said that for people of all countries, peace is paramount, life is most precious, and stability is most needed. China always follows an independent foreign policy of peace, and opposes the arbitrary use of force in international relations. From the first day of the fighting, China has steadfastly stood on the side of peace, and has been committed to promoting talks for peace and the cessation of hostilities. President Xi Jinping made four propositions, calling on all parties to stay committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty and international rule of law, as well as a balanced approach to development and security. This is China’s solution to resolving the crisis in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Foreign Minister of Pakistan jointly put forward a five-point initiative, facilitating negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. China’s just, responsible, and constructive role has been widely acclaimed by the international community. Unfortunately, some individuals seem to feel the world is not chaotic enough, and have spread rumors that “China has benefited from the conflict” and that “China is supporting Iran militarily”. Their aim is to smear China, incite confrontation between China and the U.S., and sabotage bilateral high-level interactions. All of this is fake news driven by ulterior motives. We hope that people with discernment around the world will see through these lies and avoid being misled by them, let alone circulating them.

Ambassador Xie pointed out that for China and the rest of the world alike, the blockade of the Strait of Holmuz, the disruption of the international energy market, and the shocks to global industrial and supply chains are a disaster. This is a war that should not have happened, and should be immediately stopped. China hopes the U.S. and Iran will maintain the momentum of negotiation, and we support all efforts that help to bring the fighting to an end and restore peace and stability at an early date. We will continue making unremitting efforts for peace.