Beijing launched a diplomatic push across the Middle East, hosting separate high-level talks with officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Oman as the region faces the threat of renewed military strikes by the United States and Israel.
China Hosts Security Talks as War Threats Grow
Ali Bagheri Kani, the deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, Saudi Arabia’s national security adviser, gathered in Beijing for discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The diplomatic flurry comes ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping during the Apec conference in Shenzhen.
During his meeting with Bagheri Kani, Wang stated that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path forward as conflicts drag on and risk further spillover.
According to Tehran Times, Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and security.
Bagheri Kani briefed the Chinese foreign minister on Tehran’s diplomatic initiatives and stated that Iran would make no concessions when defending its national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
During the meetings, the Iranian official stated that his country looked forward to China playing a more important role in international and regional peace.
Bagheri Kani also described the U.S. and Israeli attacks, including the killing of the supreme leader and members of his family, as unforgettable crimes and war crimes.
In response to the diplomatic exchanges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that the region was once again at a critical juncture between war and peace, warning that the conflict had spread beyond the region.
Omani Sultan Visits Beijing for First Time in Decades
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for a historic state visit.
A day ago, Wang Yi met in Beijing with Bagheri, Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. This week, China has held meetings with representatives from both Iran and Saudi Arabia, while simultaneously dispatching three special envoys for Middle East peace to… https://t.co/4N8rjBDHWQ pic.twitter.com/osX1w74fTX
This marks the first time an Omani head of state has visited China since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1978.
Positioned opposite Iran across the Strait of Hormuz, Oman manages traffic through the vital maritime route that carries a major portion of the world’s energy supplies.
During the visit, Xi remarked that the Persian Gulf and the Middle East must steer clear of geopolitical confrontation and great-power rivalry.
China and Oman signed 14 cooperation documents covering artificial intelligence, green energy, supply chains, and a currency swap agreement.
In a joint statement, both sides called for safe movement to resume through the Strait of Hormuz and urged the United States and Iran to restart dialogue.
Beijing Dispatches Special Envoy to Middle East
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced that Beijing will send its Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Zhai Jun, on visits to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November.
Mao expressed opposition to military solutions during a regular press briefing:
China believes that military means are not the solution. They will only lead to escalation that serves no one’s interest. It is hoped that relevant parties will stick to peace, resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and restore peace and tranquility in the Middle East and the Gulf region at an early date
Mao Ning, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
Energy Security Faces Risks from Strait Disruption
The disruption to the Strait of Hormuz stems from months of conflict following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The U.S. carried out strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
Regional outreach by Beijing builds on its prior mediation efforts, including the March 10, 2023 agreement brokered in Beijing to restore diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Beijing’s role in brokering those discussions was also recognized by Iran and Saudi Arabia, who further thanked Iraq and Oman for facilitating earlier talks in 2021 and 2022.
Will the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping during the Apec conference in Shenzhen alter the military plans of the United States and Israel in the Persian Gulf?
Earlier coverage: China's Strategic Maneuvers Amid the Iran Conflict