TEHRAN/BEIJING — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday amid the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism. 
The two presidents underscored their shared vision to expand the already robust Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership and pledged to implement the full scope of their landmark 25-year cooperation agreement.
President Xi highlighted the resilience and steady development of bilateral relations, which have withstood global geopolitical shifts and challenges. 
“Since we met in Kazan last year, departments of the two countries have actively implemented the important common understandings reached by the two sides, and bilateral cooperation has delivered many new outcomes,” Xi noted. 
He affirmed that China continues to place Iran high on its diplomatic agenda in the Middle East and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, and connectivity. 
Xi emphasized enhancing people-to-people exchanges and jointly promoting the steady and long-term growth of the China-Iran strategic partnership.
In line with China’s Global Governance Initiative, Xi reiterated Beijing’s commitment to fostering a fairer and more equitable global governance system and building a community with a shared future for humanity — a vision he said requires multilateral cooperation including Iran’s active participation.
Rejecting coercion, President Xi stressed that “the use of force is not the correct means to resolve differences,” advocating instead for dialogue and communication as the path to lasting peace. 
Addressing Iran’s nuclear program, he reaffirmed China’s respect for Iran’s “legitimate right to peaceful nuclear technology” and commended Tehran’s repeated assurances that it does not seek nuclear weapons. 
“China supports Iran in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and defending its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiations,” Xi said. 
He pledged China’s continued efforts to uphold justice and find a balanced solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, aiming for lasting peace in the Middle East.
President Pezeshkian conveyed warm greetings from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, to President Xi and lauded China’s leadership in global governance and the SCO. 
“The presidency of China in the SCO has been accompanied by significant achievements in various fields, which Iran welcomes,” Pezeshkian said, emphasizing the importance Tehran places on Beijing’s diplomatic approach.
Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to the partnership, Pezeshkian declared, “No matter how the international landscape may evolve, Iran will maintain its friendship with China and deepen cooperation.” 
He praised China’s Global Governance Initiative as vital to building a just international order and pledged Iran’s full support. 
“Iran is ready to maintain close coordination with China to jointly oppose unilateralism and power politics, safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East, and work to put the Global Governance Initiative into practice,” he added.
The discussion also addressed expanding economic and infrastructural collaboration. Pezeshkian announced Iran’s interest in major joint development projects, including high-speed rail and highway networks, describing them as opportunities for tangible progress beyond diplomacy. 
“There is great capacity and excellent opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in these fields,” he said.
Against the backdrop of sharp criticism of U.S. foreign policy, Pezeshkian condemned “America’s unilateral aggression in West Asia,” stating, “America continues to invade different countries with no limits.” 
He articulated Iran’s vision for a world governed by law and equality rather than force or imposition. 
“The fundamental and principled goal of the Islamic Republic is to stabilize and strengthen peace and security in the region,” Pezeshkian affirmed, calling for prevention of injustice, aggression, and unilateralism.
Following their bilateral talks, Pezeshkian addressed Iranian expatriates in China, emphasizing the importance of engagement and openness for national progress. 
“When a nation does not interact with others, it considers itself the best and looks down on others,” he warned against isolationism, linking it to regional instability and ongoing Israeli military actions. 
“The current aggression of the Zionist regime is supported by advanced technology and equipment supplied by the U.S. and Western allies,” he stated, underscoring Tehran’s geopolitical challenges.
On domestic reforms, Pezeshkian highlighted government efforts to enhance education, focusing on schools and universities to cultivate critical thinking and true understanding. 
He criticized inefficient educational systems that breed superficial knowledge and societal division over minor issues, urging a focus on meaningful discourse.
Highlighting the role of the Iranian diaspora, Pezeshkian called on expatriates to act as conduits for knowledge transfer and innovation. 
“Your presence here provides an opportunity to bring new experiences and achievements into the country,” he said, stressing ongoing efforts to connect Iranian academic and scientific institutions internationally.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic bodies have done their part in negotiations; now it is up to you to make sure these agreements are realized,” Pezeshkian concluded, invoking pride in Iran and China’s ancient civilizations. 
“If we return to our roots and rely on our history, science, civilization, and culture, we can build a prosperous nation.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also attended the meeting, further underscoring the importance of continued diplomatic momentum between Tehran and Beijing as they navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.