Beijing, Nov 3:
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on all parties involved in the West Asia conflict to prioritise dialogue and diplomatic negotiations rather than resorting to further military action, as Beijing steps up efforts to play a greater role in promoting regional stability.
During a meeting with Ali Bagheri Kani, Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing on November 2, Wang said dialogue and negotiations remained the way forward to resolve conflicts in the region. He also reiterated China’s support for Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
In a separate meeting with Saudi Arabia’s National Security Adviser Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Wang described the regional situation as having reached a critical crossroads between war and peace. He called on all parties to resolve their differences through negotiations, end hostilities and safeguard regional energy supplies and international shipping routes. Al-Aiban also delivered a letter from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China’s diplomatic outreach comes as tensions across West Asia continue to raise concerns over regional security, energy markets and international trade. Beijing has been advocating political solutions while seeking to expand its diplomatic engagement with key regional countries. However, it was not immediately clear whether the Iranian and Saudi officials held any direct discussions with each other during their separate meetings in Beijing.
Earlier on November 2, President Xi Jinping met Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, who was on a state visit to China. Xi said the Middle East and Gulf region should not become a battleground for great-power rivalry. In a joint statement following the meeting, Oman expressed support for China’s peace proposals and welcomed a greater role for Beijing in achieving lasting stability in the region.
As part of its diplomatic initiative, China has also announced that its special envoy for West Asia will visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia during November. The outreach reflects Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its regional diplomatic presence and encourage negotiations among countries involved in the conflict, although the prospects for an immediate political settlement remain uncertain.