On February 8, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani in Beijing.

Ma Zhaoxu said that China and Iran maintain good communication and coordination in major international and regional affairs. China has consistently advocated the preservation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear issue and has actively promoted the political settlement process of the Iranian nuclear issue, appreciates the continued communication between the Iranian side and the parties concerned, and welcomes the continuous cooperation between the Iranian side and the International Atomic Energy Agency. China has always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people and is ready to work with Islamic countries, including Iran, to promote the early realization of a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. As the tensions in the Red Sea are a prominent manifestation of the spillover from the Gaza conflict, China calls on all parties concerned to work together to keep the shipping lanes safe in the Red Sea in accordance with the law and to effectively respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the coastal countries along the Red Sea.

Ali Baqeri Kani said that the Iranian side is willing to continue resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means and hopes that all relevant parties can show sincerity and earnestly honor their commitments. The Iranian side believes that an early ceasefire and end of the fighting should be achieved in Gaza and opposes the imposition of a solution on the Palestinian people. The Iranian side attaches importance to maintaining the safety of navigation in the Red Sea and believes that only when the conflict in Gaza is put to an end firstly can good conditions be created for the restoration of the stable situation in the Red Sea. The Iranian side is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the Chinese side to jointly promote regional and world peace and stability.