China plans a November tour of the Middle East by its special envoy as its leaders press for dialogue over regional conflict and warn against competition among major powers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the region Monday with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said. Xi warned against turning the Middle East and Gulf into a battleground for major powers. A joint statement issued after their talks recorded Oman’s support for China’s Middle East peace proposals and its expectation that Beijing would play a larger role in efforts toward lasting regional stability.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary at the Iran Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing. Wang urged the parties to seek a political settlement through dialogue instead of renewed fighting, Xinhua reported. He also said China supported Iran’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and security, according to the Chinese state news agency.
China’s special envoy to the Middle East is set to visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in November. The announcement did not specify dates for the individual stops.
