China’s recent contacts with Oman and Saudi Arabia come as Iran-related strain on U.S. policy may give Beijing room to pursue a larger diplomatic role in the Gulf, The Guardian reported Tuesday.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Chinese President Xi Jinping met Oman’s sultan in Beijing on Nov. 2. In a separate account, the ministry said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Saudi Arabia’s national security adviser, also in Beijing. The accounts describe two distinct contacts, one involving Xi and the other Wang Yi.
The meetings came ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for Nov. 18 and 19 in Shenzhen, China, according to APEC’s schedule. The White House has said U.S. President Donald Trump intends to attend. The Guardian reported that Trump and Xi are expected to meet during the gathering.
The Guardian’s analysis said Trump’s difficulties over Iran could give China a chance to gain standing as a mediator. It also said prolonged disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could hurt China’s economy. The analysis linked Beijing’s regional interests to trade and investment.
The Guardian pointed to China’s role in the 2023 Saudi-Iran détente as a precedent for its diplomatic involvement in the region. The recent contacts come as Beijing seeks to strengthen its regional position, the outlet said.
Trump has left further U.S. military action against Iran open while saying a deal with Tehran remains possible, EconoTimes previously reported in its coverage of Trump’s Iran position.
China’s Foreign Ministry said envoy Zhai Jun plans visits to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November, ahead of the APEC meeting later that month.
