Wang Yi on Lessons from US-Iran Conflict

Summary

On 23 June 2026, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs,

shared his views on the first phase memorandum of understanding on the US-Iran conflict at the BRICS High Representatives on Security Affairs meeting in New Delhi. Wang pointed out that the conflict, lasting over 100 days, has severely impacted regional and international situations,

offering four profound lessons: first, the importance of upholding international rules, as the law of the jungle is unsustainable;

second, respecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity,

and non-interference in internal affairs; third, establishing a new security concept,

seeking absolute security at the expense of others' security will backfire; fourth, grasping new forms of warfare,

as non-traditional threats like information warfare and cyber warfare become more overt, making it timely for BRICS countries to strengthen security dialogue and cooperation.

Commentary

For New Zealand small and medium-sized business owners, Wang Yi's remarks, though focused on international security, signal rising global geopolitical risks. The easing of the Middle East conflict may stabilise oil prices in the short term and reduce transport costs, but long-term uncertainties remain. New Zealand's exports, particularly meat, dairy products, and wine, heavily rely on a stable international environment.

If US-Iran tensions persist, global trade routes could be disrupted, raising supply chain costs. On the other hand, China's advocacy of a multilateral security concept may promote trade facilitation along the Belt and Road Initiative, offering opportunities for New Zealand businesses to explore new markets. It is advisable to monitor economic and trade cooperation under the BRICS framework, especially in infrastructure and digital trade.

The current situation urges businesses to diversify supply chains and strengthen risk hedging.

Keywords: Wang Yi, US-Iran conflict, Lessons, International rules, National sovereignty, New security concept, New war forms, BRICS

Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand