China says preventing renewed war in the Middle East is its top priority as Beijing pushes diplomacy with Iran and the United States
China said Wednesday, November 4, that preventing a resumption of hostilities in the Middle East is its foremost diplomatic priority, pledging to support negotiations between Iran and the United States, seek a political settlement in Yemen and help resolve the dispute over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a regular news conference in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned that another outbreak of fighting would have severe consequences for people across the region.
“The pressing priority is to avoid resumption of conflicts in the Middle East, which will inflict great suffering on the people in the region,” Mao said.
She said China would support efforts by Tehran and Washington to settle their differences through negotiations while continuing to promote a political resolution of the conflict in Yemen.
Beijing would also help facilitate a comprehensive agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the strategically important waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with international shipping routes.
Mao emphasized that stability in the Middle East and the Gulf was essential not only for regional populations but also for international energy supplies and global security.
Her remarks followed a series of high-level diplomatic meetings in Beijing involving officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia and Oman, as China intensified efforts to prevent another round of military confrontation.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate talks with Saudi National Security Adviser Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban and Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Wang urged the parties to pursue political solutions rather than return to military confrontation, warning that the region had reached a critical point between war and peace.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also met Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, cautioning that the Middle East should not become an arena for rivalry among major powers.
Oman has played a diplomatic role in efforts to reduce tensions involving Iran and the United States, while maintaining relations with both sides.
China’s diplomatic activity comes amid continued uncertainty over the regional security situation and the future of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is particularly important to Beijing because China relies heavily on imported oil from the Middle East, making disruptions to regional shipping a direct concern for its economy.
Beijing has announced plans to send its special envoy for Middle Eastern affairs to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia later this month as part of further diplomatic efforts.
Mao said China hopes regional countries will pursue mutual respect and good-neighborly relations while working toward a lasting security framework based on cooperation rather than confrontation.