China is stepping up diplomatic efforts in the Middle East to address the ongoing US-Iran conflict, dispatching a special envoy to the region as Beijing hosts high-level meetings with Iranian and Omani officials. Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with a senior Iranian security official in Beijing on Monday to urge dialogue, while President Xi Jinping hosted Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for a landmark state visit, Al Jazeera reported.
Wang Yi Presses for Dialogue During Talks With Ali Bagheri Kani
During Monday’s meetings in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, that negotiation remains the only viable path forward as regional conflicts drag on and risk further spillover. Wang reaffirmed China’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and security, according to state statements. Beijing has consistently blamed the US and Israel for starting the conflict.
Providing additional detail on the closed-door discussions, the Iranian news outlet Tasnim reported that Bagheri emphasized Tehran would not compromise on defending its sovereignty and national security. Bagheri described US and Israeli acts of aggression, including the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family, as unforgettable war crimes. Aaj English TV reported that Wang told the Iranian official all parties should focus on a political solution rather than resorting to armed conflict, following threats of renewed US strikes.
Zhai Jun Prepares for Regional Tours Across Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia
Highlighting Beijing’s renewed diplomatic momentum following a quieter spell, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Monday that Zhai Jun, the country’s Middle East special envoy, will travel to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iran this month.
Arab News reported that foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the envoy’s itinerary during a daily press briefing, noting the trips are aimed at promoting peace talks and easing regional tensions. Concurrently, China’s special representative on African affairs Liu Xianfa will visit Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Egypt, while special envoy for the Horn of Africa Hu Changchun will travel to Eritrea.
Xi Jinping Hosts Sultan Haitham in Historic Visit as Energy Supplies Face Disruption
Simultaneously, Chinese President Xi Jinping received Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for a state visit in Beijing, marking the first visit by an Omani head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1978. Xi stated during the meeting that the Middle East and Gulf should not become an arena for great-power rivalry and geopolitical conflict. Positioned on the Strait of Hormuz directly across from Iran, Oman is crucial to the movement of shipping along this vital marine passage, which carried twenty percent of worldwide oil shipments before the US-Iran conflict curtailed transport.
China remains one of the world’s largest energy importers, making Beijing heavily reliant on stable maritime traffic through the gulf. During Sultan Haitham’s visit, China and Oman signed 14 cooperation documents covering artificial intelligence, green energy, and supply chains, alongside a currency swap agreement. In a joint statement, both nations called for safe ship transit to resume through the Strait of Hormuz and urged the US and Iran to restart dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions About China’s Diplomatic Push
Who is Zhai Jun visiting during his November diplomatic tour?
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced that Middle East special envoy Zhai Jun will visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early and mid-November to promote peace talks.
What specific agreements were signed during Sultan Haitham’s visit to Beijing?
China and Oman signed 14 cooperation documents covering artificial intelligence, green energy, and supply chains, alongside a bilateral currency swap agreement.
How has trade tied Beijing and Tehran together during the conflict?
Al Jazeera reported that China is Iran’s biggest trading partner and the largest customer for Iranian crude oil, making bilateral economic ties a priority as energy imports face disruption.
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