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China says avoiding new hostilities in Mideast a ‘top priority’
China has made preventing renewed hostilities in the Middle East a top diplomatic priority, after US President Donald Trump issued a fresh threat of war against Iran. Beijing says it is working to bring the parties back to negotiations and sees renewed fighting as a danger to people across the region.
China recently hosted talks with Iranian, Omani and Saudi officials, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi urging protection for shipping lanes and restraint. President Xi Jinping warned against the region becoming a arena for rivalry between major powers; later this month, China plans to send its Middle East envoy to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia to promote peace talks and ease tensions.
In short
- China calls preventing renewed Middle East hostilities its top priority.
- Beijing is urging Iran and the US to negotiate.
- China plans envoy visits to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Explained simply
China has longstanding political and economic ties across the Middle East, including with Iran and Saudi Arabia, which have often been regional rivals. Oman has also acted as a go-between in talks involving Iran and other countries. China’s foreign minister is Wang Yi, and its president is Xi Jinping.
The region is important for global energy supplies and shipping, including routes used to carry oil and gas. Fighting could put civilians at risk and disrupt trade. China has presented diplomacy and regional stability as priorities in its relations with Middle Eastern countries.