China Launches Middle East Diplomacy Amid US War Threats
China hosted high-level meetings with Iranian, Saudi, and Omani officials in Beijing to advocate for political solutions to Middle East conflicts and secure energy imports.
The Government of China intensified diplomatic efforts in the Middle East on November 2, 2026, hosting a series of high-level meetings in Beijing to address conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. These moves follow fresh war threats from U.S. President Donald Trump and occur as Beijing seeks to protect energy imports disrupted by restricted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ali Bagheri Kani of Iran and Saudi National Security Adviser Musaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, urging a political solution and the restoration of shipping lane security. Wang emphasized China's support for Iran's sovereignty and security, while Bagheri Kani affirmed Iran's commitment to its territorial integrity and readiness to negotiate for regional stability.
Simultaneously, President Xi Jinping hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman for the first state visit by an Omani head of state since 1978. The two leaders signed 14 cooperation agreements covering artificial intelligence, green energy, and a currency swap. Xi asserted that the Gulf region should not serve as a battleground for great-power rivalry, a sentiment echoed by Oman in a joint statement requesting a larger role for Beijing in establishing stability.
To sustain this momentum, Beijing announced that special envoy Zhai Jun will conduct shuttle diplomacy visits to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia later this month.
