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Two Sessions 2026
ChinaDiplomacy

Will the Iran crisis feature in foreign policy talks at China’s ‘two sessions’?

The focus is on economics and the five-year plan but the turmoil could prompt a rethink in some areas, analysts say

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The Iran crisis is most likely to be discussed with other conflicts such as the Ukraine war rather than be singled out for special mention at this year’s “two sessions”.  Photo: EPA
Dewey Simin Beijing
Iran is unlikely to dominate the agenda at this year’s national legislative sessions but it is likely to feature in policy discussions, according to observers.
Analysts said the Middle East turmoil could prompt a broader rethink in some policy areas in Beijing, including a reassessment of its Middle East strategy and how it can safeguard its expanding overseas interests.

The “two sessions”, the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and political advisory body, get under way this week, with Beijing expected to lay out its economic targets and strategic priorities.

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The meetings, the most important yearly political events in the country, come just days after the United States and Israel targeted Iran with missiles, killing Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dragging the region into chaos again.

The sessions are expected to focus on the economy and innovation but it is also a chance for outsiders to get fresh ideas of China’s thoughts on its foreign policy, particularly at Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s press conference.

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China has condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and called for parties to halt military operations. Wang said earlier that the “blatant killing ⁠of a sovereign leader” and the incitement of regime change were “unacceptable”.

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