China’s Wang Yi: a “war that must not happen”…indirectly criticises the U.S. [Roundup]

Takes a hard line against Japan after it hinted at “intervening in a Taiwan contingency”

Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister (pictured), delivered a message implicitly criticising the United States, calling the Iran war—sparked by U.S. and Israeli attacks—a “war that must not happen.” He also urged an immediate ceasefire and a political resolution, saying “the world must not revert to the jungle law where the strong prey on the weak.” However, while he referred to the invasion of Iran in critical terms, Wang did not name the United States directly.

In a Q&A session at a press conference on foreign affairs on the 8th during the National People’s Congress, Wang said: “With the Middle East engulfed in the flames of war, what I want to say is that this was, in the first place, a war that must not have happened—a war that benefits no one.”

He quoted the phrase, “兵者, 凶器也, 不可不审用 (Weapons are instruments of ill omen; they must be employed with the utmost caution).” The line comes from a work by Han Fei, a thinker of China’s Warring States period, and means that “because war is a means that brings disaster, even if it is used, it must be done with great prudence.” It is seen as aimed at the United States and Israel.

Wang said, “Armed conflict only breeds new hatred and crises,” adding that “sovereignty is the foundation of the current international order, and the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and the Gulf countries must all be respected.” He went on to say, “Might does not necessarily make right,” and added that “countries should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and resolve differences through dialogue on an equal footing.”

He also stressed cooperation with the United States, seemingly with President Trump’s visit to China in mind. “As China-U.S. relations have a major impact on the world, if the two countries do not engage with each other, misunderstandings and miscalculations will arise, and may ultimately lead to conflict and confrontation,” he said.

He added, “China and the United States are both major powers, so neither can change the other, but they can change the way they treat each other. On the basis of mutual respect, they should uphold the principle of peaceful coexistence and pursue cooperation and shared prosperity,” he said emphatically.

“China’s stance has always been proactive and open; what matters is that the United States moves in the same direction,” he said. “If both countries, on the basis of sincerity and trust, expand the list of cooperation and reduce the list of problems, 2026 could become a symbolic year in which China-U.S. relations develop in a healthy and stable manner,” he added.

By contrast, he criticised Japan in strong terms after ties deteriorated following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinting at “intervening in a Taiwan contingency.”

Wang said, “The Taiwan issue is entirely China’s internal affair. If something happens in the Taiwan region, on what grounds would Japan be qualified to exercise the right of self-defence?” He then warned, “China will never tolerate any force that beautifies colonial rule or justifies aggression.”

Kim Bong-gu, Hankyung.com reporter kbk9@hankyung.com