Diplomatic Push: Beijing seeks active role in Middle East

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ali Bagheri Kani, the deputy secretary of the Iran Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing on Monday. During the talks, Wang urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to prioritize political solutions. He specifically advised against returning to armed confrontation to settle disputes.

Wang stated that dialogue and negotiation represent the correct path to resolving regional tensions. He also expressed China’s support for Iran in protecting its sovereignty and security. These remarks align with Beijing’s growing diplomatic presence in the region. China is actively seeking a larger role in shaping the outcome of the conflict.

Earlier on the same day, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, the leader of Oman. Xi told his Omani counterpart that the Middle East and Gulf region should not turn into a battlefield for great-power rivalry. This sentiment was echoed in a joint statement released by the two nations following their conversation.

The joint statement confirmed that Muscat supports the Chinese peace proposals for the Middle East. The Omani side also indicated it looks forward to a greater role by Beijing in achieving lasting stability in the area. This marks a clear shift in diplomatic alignment, with regional partners explicitly endorsing China’s mediation efforts.

To advance these diplomatic channels, China announced that its special envoy to the Middle East will visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia later this month. The timing of the envoy’s trip underscores the urgency Beijing places on maintaining open lines of communication. The special envoy’s itinerary includes the two countries with whom Chinese leaders held high-level talks on Monday.