Wang Yi on Sergey Lavrov
TL;DR
Wang Yi views Sergey Lavrov as a close strategic partner with whom China coordinates closely on major international issues.
Key Points
On March 1, 2026, they jointly condemned US-Israeli military strikes on Iran as a severe violation of international law.
Both ministers stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue and negotiation concerning the Middle East situation.
They agreed to continue working together within international platforms, including the UN Security Council and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to stabilize the situation.
Summary
Wang Yi and Sergey Lavrov share a fundamentally aligned position regarding major international crises, particularly concerning perceived unilateral military actions by the US and Israel against sovereign states like Iran. Following strikes on Iran in March 2026, Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with Lavrov where both ministers condemned the actions as grave violations of international law and the UN Charter, stressing the unacceptability of inciting regime change. They specifically called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to political and diplomatic resolution for the Iranian case, underscoring the joint opposition to military force in international relations.
The close coordination between the two foreign ministers extends beyond immediate crises, reflecting a broader strategic alignment in global governance, as evidenced by their joint efforts in the UN Security Council, the IAEA, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In previous engagements, such as a 2017 meeting, both leaders emphasized advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination and ensuring the success of multilateral frameworks like BRICS. This continuous, high-level communication and mutual support highlight the robust, cooperative relationship between Beijing and Moscow in navigating complex global security and diplomatic landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wang Yi regards Sergey Lavrov as a key diplomatic counterpart and a close strategic partner. Their recent communications show a high degree of coordination on critical global security matters. Wang Yi relies on communication with Lavrov to issue joint stances on international issues.
Wang Yi and Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone on March 1, 2026, to condemn the US-Israeli military strikes against Iran. They both called for an immediate halt to the military operations and emphasized opposition to actions undermining international law. Russia explicitly agreed with China's position calling for a ceasefire and return to diplomacy.
The two foreign ministers coordinate closely within various international bodies to stabilize global situations. These platforms include the United Nations Security Council, the IAEA, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. They expressed readiness to continue coordinating efforts through these multilateral frameworks.
Sources7
Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
Press release on a telephone conversation between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi
Russia, China raise diplomatic voices against US-Israeli attacks on Iran
Beijing slams joint US-Israel strikes on Iran
Russian, Chinese foreign ministers condemn US-Israeli strikes on Iran, call for truce
Wang Yi Meets with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia
China Calls for Cessation of Military Operations, De-escalation in Middle East
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.