​​​​​ISTANBUL

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated Beijing's opposition Thursday to the use of force in international relations amid US-Iran tensions, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

Beijing “consistently advocates adherence to the purposes of the UN Charter and international law, opposes the use or threat of force in international relations," Wang told his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

He said China opposes "imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a regression to the ‘law of the jungle.’”

China believes the Iranian government and people will stand united, and "overcome difficulties, maintain national stability, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests," he added.
Amid tensions between Iran and the US, Beijing extended support to Tehran against foreign interference.

Wang urged all parties to “cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialogue."

"China is willing to play a constructive role in this endeavor," he said.

Araghchi briefed Wang about the anti-government protests that recently swept his country.

The Iranian foreign minister said that “stability has been restored” after the “unrest" that was "instigated by external forces," according to the statement.

“Iran is prepared to deal with external interference," while the door to dialogue remains open, said Araghchi. He expressed support for Beijing "playing a greater role in regional peace and stability."

Araghchi also spoke to his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, late Wednesday, where the two discussed the regional situation.

Tehran has accused Washington and Israel of backing “riots” and “terrorism” amid mounting uncertainty about possible US military action against Iran.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to back protesters in Iran, where a crackdown by authorities is said to have resulted in thousands of casualties.

But the US president softened his rhetoric during remarks at the White House late Wednesday.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency, a US-based group, estimates that at least 2,615 people have been killed, including protesters and security personnel.

Iranian authorities have not released official figures on casualties or detainees.

The protests began Dec. 28 in commercial hubs in Tehran, when shopkeepers, merchants and small business owners staged strikes and demonstrations to protest soaring inflation, the collapsing rial and deteriorating economic conditions.

The demonstrations have since grown into nationwide anti-government expressions of discontent involving workers, students and others in multiple cities.