China kicks off key political meetings in Beijing under shadow of war in Iran

The fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference kicks off at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 4, 2026. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng are seen seated on the rostrum. - Xinhua

BEIJING: China cast itself as a “responsible major power” and warned that no country should dominate international affairs, as the country’s annual Two Sessions opened on March 4 against the backdrop of ongoing US-Israeli military strikes in Iran.

“China calls for an immediate cessation of military operations, prevention of further escalation of tensions, resumption of dialogue and negotiations, and maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East,” said Lou Qinjian, a spokesman for the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s Parliament, at an annual press conference.