Xi Jinping Advocates for Peace and Stability in the Middle East

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of nations in the Middle East and the Gulf region. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions following conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Xi made these remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This visit marks the first by a Middle Eastern leader to China since the onset of the conflict. He also highlighted the need to effectively ensure the safety of personnel, facilities, and institutions across all countries.

Xi Jinping introduced a four-point proposal aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. He called for adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence and stressed the necessity of establishing a shared, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security framework for the region. He reiterated the importance of respecting the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern and Gulf nations, ensuring the effective protection of all personnel, facilities, and institutions.

While discussing the adherence to the rule of international law, Xi Jinping stated that it is crucial to maintain the legitimacy of international law to prevent a return to the law of the jungle. He emphasized that development and security must be coordinated, urging all parties to collaborate in creating a conducive environment for the development of Middle Eastern and Gulf nations. These comments come at a time when China has been vocal about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international trade route for goods and energy. Following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding plans to block the strait, China called for uninterrupted passage through this waterway. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that the root cause of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz is military conflict, and to resolve this issue, hostilities must cease as soon as possible. All parties need to remain calm and restrained, and China will continue to play a constructive role.