China Urges Middle East Dialogue During Meetings with Regional Officials

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Middle Eastern nations to prioritize political solutions and negotiate differences during back-to-back meetings in Beijing on Monday with officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

Wang met Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, reaffirming Beijing's support for Iranian sovereignty and security while the region faces a critical crossroads between war and peace. During talks with Saudi National Security Adviser Musaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, who delivered a letter from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Xi Jinping, Wang stressed the importance of safeguarding regional energy supplies and shipping lanes amid ongoing conflicts.

President Xi Jinping also hosted Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for the first state visit by an Omani head of state in 48 years, signing agreements to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, and advanced technology. The diplomatic push follows a fresh war threat from United States President Donald Trump more than eight months into the conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

In response to the widening disruptions, Beijing announced that its special envoy on the Middle East, Zhai Jun, will visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia during November.