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Wang Yi

Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, became the first Chinese diplomat in decades to sit on the powerful Politburo Standing Committee, the party’s now 24-men decision making body. Wang has been the face of China’s evolving foreign policy under President Xi Jinping since 2013.

Born

19 Oct 1953

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Minister of Foreign Affairs, China

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

China cements Russia ties as both win from US war

Russia is boosting oil exports, including to China, as the Iran war upends Middle East supplies, while Chinese renewables companies will benefit from efforts to diversify away from fossil fuels.

4 hours ago

China-Russia relations

Strong China-Russia ties are stabilising force in ‘turbulent’ world: Xi Jinping

1 hour agovideocam

US-China relations

Russian and Chinese envoys meet in Beijing to discuss Iran, Ukraine and Taiwan

15 Apr 2026 - 4:46AMvideocam

2026 Trump-Xi summit

Exclusive | Trump-Xi summit shaped by uncertainty, not strategy: experts

War distractions and limited goals risk turning Beijing talks into optics over substance, as expectations shrink and planning falters.

15 Apr 2026 - 9:06AMvideocam

US-China relations

China hits out at ‘dangerous and irresponsible’ US blockade of Iran’s ports

Beijing says American move will ‘inflame tensions, escalate the situation and undermine an already fragile ceasefire’.

14 Apr 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

China-EU relations

Exclusive | EU to cut funding for Chinese inverters amid change of tack towards Beijing

Without fanfare, Brussels will stop funding for projects that use the Chinese-made devices as part of a ‘do more, say less’ strategy.

14 Apr 2026 - 6:54PMvideocam

China-North Korea relations

China-North Korea thaw gathers pace as Kim says ties have reached a new level

The North Korean leader met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Pyongyang on Friday as the two sides pledged further ‘practical cooperation’.

10 Apr 2026 - 9:19PMvideocam

Kim Jong-un hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

North Korea

‘No one loses’: why North Korea’s Kim may shake hands with Trump again

At the US-China summit, Beijing may act as a go-between to bring Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un to the negotiating table, analysts say.

9 Apr 2026 - 6:55PMvideocam

China-North Korea relations

Wang Yi set to visit North Korea, first for China’s top envoy since 2019

Visit comes as Beijing and Pyongyang step up engagement, including high-level exchanges in recent months.

8 Apr 2026 - 6:37PMvideocam

China food security

Beyond Russian oil, China also increases appetite for Ukrainian wheat flour

Chinese and Ukrainian officials sign a protocol in Kyiv on inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for exports.

7 Apr 2026 - 6:00PM

Harvesters gather wheat in Zghurivka, Ukraine, in August 2022. Photo: AP

China-EU relations

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

Beijing takes a stand at the United Nations at the closure of shipping lanes.

3 Apr 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

About a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies usually pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Getty Images/TNS

China-Middle East relations

China’s Iran war strategy, Trump’s Hormuz ask: 7 global relations reads

From a China-Israel call on Iran to an unlikely nuclear deal, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in March 2026.

2 Apr 2026 - 11:00PM

South China Sea

Why China and Vietnam are shifting from confrontation to calm in South China Sea

Disagreements continue, but the two sides are showing notable restraint in contrast with Beijing’s fierce exchanges with Manila.

2 Apr 2026 - 5:44PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Controlled escalation? Trump hails ‘victories’ in Iran but vows more strikes

US president tells anxious Americans that the conflict’s core objectives are ‘nearing completion’ but fails to lay out a clear timeline to end the war.

2 Apr 2026 - 8:31PMvideocam

President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

What does the China-Pakistan plan for the Iran crisis mean for a post-war order?

Diplomatic initiative comes as long-standing US-dominated security framework faces growing strain and uncertainty, analysts say.

1 Apr 2026 - 9:26PMvideocam

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump eyes Iran exit before Hormuz shutdown ends

The US president said he was ready to end the war on Iran without a deal, creating further doubt about when the Strait of Hormuz will fully reopen to shipping.

2 Apr 2026 - 9:02AM

Pakistan

What Pakistan gains by playing peacemaker in Iran war

If Islamabad can successfully carry off the talks, it stands a chance of bringing in much-needed investments and weapon sales, analysts say.

1 Apr 2026 - 7:20PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

China, Pakistan launch five-point plan to ease Iran crisis, push ceasefire

Beijing backs Islamabad’s mediation push as both call for truce, Hormuz reopening and talks to restore regional stability.

1 Apr 2026 - 2:40AMvideocam

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (left) meets his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on January 4. Dar is visiting China again this week – his second trip to the country in three months. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

The end of ‘win-lose’? China-backed mediation body makes pitch at Boao Forum

More flexibility, fewer costs and greater convenience in the process hailed by head of new International Organisation for Mediation.

27 Mar 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

A way out for the US and Iran? The diplomatic path that could prove China right

Talks between Washington and Tehran must involve nuclear concessions and a regional ceasefire, Middle East expert says.

27 Mar 2026 - 12:23PM

Diplomacy

Opinion | What ancient Chinese wisdom can offer a divided world – and the US

Chinese leaders often turn to classical poems, essays and proverbs to explain foreign policy, something US policymakers fail to understand.

27 Mar 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

China calls for US-Iran talks as war upends Gulf states’ global ties

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi advocated peace talks in a call with his Iranian counterpart, while Gulf states rethink their international relations.

25 Mar 2026 - 5:00PM

China-Middle East relations

Opinion | When it comes to the Persian Gulf, China’s top priority is economics

Beijing’s refusal to pick sides between Iran and other Gulf states affirms its strategic positioning rather than a desire to shift paradigms.

24 Mar 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

China-France relations

China decries ‘unjust war’ on Iran as it calls for immediate ceasefire

In a call with Paris, Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi urges mediation efforts and an end to the spread of the conflict.

21 Mar 2026 - 8:36PM

China-EU relations

China and the Netherlands seek ‘pragmatic’ reset as Nexperia row rolls on

Wang Yi hails ‘positive signals’ from new Dutch minister as US pressure and EU de-risking leave The Hague juggling security and trade interests.

21 Mar 2026 - 5:50PMvideocam

Chinese-owned Dutch semiconductor company Nexperia has been at the centre of a row between China and the Netherlands. Photo: Reuters

War and conflict

Macroscope | Trump’s war is uniting the world, just not how he might have expected

The war on Iran could prompt middle powers to go beyond forming coalitions independent of the US and align more openly with China.

21 Mar 2026 - 4:30PM

A protester wears a mask of US President Donald Trump in front of the US embassy in Seoul, South Korea, on March 16, during a demonstration against Trump’s request to dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

Readers discuss Beijing’s diplomatic messaging at the ‘two sessions’ meetings, and the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr.

21 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Can China broker peace for Iran again? 2023 was different, analysts say

Tehran has signalled a willingness for Beijing to act as a mediator in its escalating war against US and Israel.

20 Mar 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

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Wang Yi

China cements Russia ties as both win from US war

Russia is boosting oil exports, including to China, as the Iran war upends Middle East supplies, while Chinese renewables companies will benefit from efforts to diversify away from fossil fuels.

Strong China-Russia ties are stabilising force in ‘turbulent’ world: Xi Jinping

Russian and Chinese envoys meet in Beijing to discuss Iran, Ukraine and Taiwan

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Trump-Xi summit shaped by uncertainty, not strategy: experts

War distractions and limited goals risk turning Beijing talks into optics over substance, as expectations shrink and planning falters.

China hits out at ‘dangerous and irresponsible’ US blockade of Iran’s ports

Beijing says American move will ‘inflame tensions, escalate the situation and undermine an already fragile ceasefire’.

Exclusive | EU to cut funding for Chinese inverters amid change of tack towards Beijing

Without fanfare, Brussels will stop funding for projects that use the Chinese-made devices as part of a ‘do more, say less’ strategy.

China-North Korea thaw gathers pace as Kim says ties have reached a new level

The North Korean leader met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Pyongyang on Friday as the two sides pledged further ‘practical cooperation’.

‘No one loses’: why North Korea’s Kim may shake hands with Trump again

At the US-China summit, Beijing may act as a go-between to bring Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un to the negotiating table, analysts say.

Wang Yi set to visit North Korea, first for China’s top envoy since 2019

Visit comes as Beijing and Pyongyang step up engagement, including high-level exchanges in recent months.

Beyond Russian oil, China also increases appetite for Ukrainian wheat flour

Chinese and Ukrainian officials sign a protocol in Kyiv on inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for exports.

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

Beijing takes a stand at the United Nations at the closure of shipping lanes.

China’s Iran war strategy, Trump’s Hormuz ask: 7 global relations reads

From a China-Israel call on Iran to an unlikely nuclear deal, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in March 2026.

Why China and Vietnam are shifting from confrontation to calm in South China Sea

Disagreements continue, but the two sides are showing notable restraint in contrast with Beijing’s fierce exchanges with Manila.

Controlled escalation? Trump hails ‘victories’ in Iran but vows more strikes

US president tells anxious Americans that the conflict’s core objectives are ‘nearing completion’ but fails to lay out a clear timeline to end the war.

What does the China-Pakistan plan for the Iran crisis mean for a post-war order?

Diplomatic initiative comes as long-standing US-dominated security framework faces growing strain and uncertainty, analysts say.

Trump eyes Iran exit before Hormuz shutdown ends

The US president said he was ready to end the war on Iran without a deal, creating further doubt about when the Strait of Hormuz will fully reopen to shipping.

What Pakistan gains by playing peacemaker in Iran war

If Islamabad can successfully carry off the talks, it stands a chance of bringing in much-needed investments and weapon sales, analysts say.

China, Pakistan launch five-point plan to ease Iran crisis, push ceasefire

Beijing backs Islamabad’s mediation push as both call for truce, Hormuz reopening and talks to restore regional stability.

The end of ‘win-lose’? China-backed mediation body makes pitch at Boao Forum

More flexibility, fewer costs and greater convenience in the process hailed by head of new International Organisation for Mediation.

A way out for the US and Iran? The diplomatic path that could prove China right

Talks between Washington and Tehran must involve nuclear concessions and a regional ceasefire, Middle East expert says.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | What ancient Chinese wisdom can offer a divided world – and the US

Chinese leaders often turn to classical poems, essays and proverbs to explain foreign policy, something US policymakers fail to understand.

China calls for US-Iran talks as war upends Gulf states’ global ties

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi advocated peace talks in a call with his Iranian counterpart, while Gulf states rethink their international relations.

Opinion | When it comes to the Persian Gulf, China’s top priority is economics

Beijing’s refusal to pick sides between Iran and other Gulf states affirms its strategic positioning rather than a desire to shift paradigms.

China decries ‘unjust war’ on Iran as it calls for immediate ceasefire

In a call with Paris, Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi urges mediation efforts and an end to the spread of the conflict.

China and the Netherlands seek ‘pragmatic’ reset as Nexperia row rolls on

Wang Yi hails ‘positive signals’ from new Dutch minister as US pressure and EU de-risking leave The Hague juggling security and trade interests.

Macroscope | Trump’s war is uniting the world, just not how he might have expected

The war on Iran could prompt middle powers to go beyond forming coalitions independent of the US and align more openly with China.

Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

Readers discuss Beijing’s diplomatic messaging at the ‘two sessions’ meetings, and the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr.

Can China broker peace for Iran again? 2023 was different, analysts say

Tehran has signalled a willingness for Beijing to act as a mediator in its escalating war against US and Israel.

Exclusive | Trump-Xi summit shaped by uncertainty, not strategy: experts

Opinion | What ancient Chinese wisdom can offer a divided world – and the US