China is ramping up its diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, dispatching special envoys and hosting high-level security officials as escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran threaten to ignite a wider conflict and disrupt global energy supplies.
The diplomatic push unfolds against a backdrop of intensive shuttle diplomacy. On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met separately in Beijing with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), and Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, the national security adviser to Saudi Arabia.
Beijing Presses for Dialogue as Washington Weighs New Military Action
During the meetings, Wang urged a political solution to the crisis, warning that military escalation serves no one’s interest. He emphasized that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path forward as conflicts in the region drag on and risk further spillover, according to Al Jazeera.
Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, met with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) in Beijing on Monday. For more: https://t.co/oBYkbwydQH pic.twitter.com/3bkIgLdH6T
— https://x.com/CGTNOfficial/status/2117273023648551355
Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security,
as reported by The Guardian. The talks coincide with fresh warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened renewed military action following midterm elections, over eight months into a conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced that Beijing will send Special Envoy Zhai Jun to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November to promote peace talks and ease regional tensions.
In addition to these diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced a parallel diplomatic move directed toward the African continent, with Liu Xianfa scheduled to visit Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Egypt.
China believes that military means are not the solution. They will only lead to escalation that serves no one’s interest. It is hoped that relevant parties will stick to peace, resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and restore peace and tranquility in the Middle East and the Gulf region at an early date,
Mao Ning, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman
Xi Jinping Hosts Sultan Haitham for Historic State Visit
Simultaneously, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Beijing for a historic state visit—the first by an Omani head of state since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1978. Sitting across from Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, Oman is a crucial player in shipping on the strategic waterway through which a significant portion of global energy exports pass.
Chinese President #XiJinping: Expanding and deepening China-Oman ties is a shared strategic choice pic.twitter.com/Z4aq8KHVZK
— https://x.com/CGTNOfficial/status/2117267563042558462
Xi told Sultan Haitham that the Middle East and the Gulf should not become an arena for great-power rivalry and geopolitical conflict,
as noted by Al Jazeera. During the visit, China and Oman signed 14 cooperation documents covering artificial intelligence, green energy, supply chains, and a currency swap agreement, while issuing a joint statement calling for safe shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran Stands Firm on Sovereignty
Representing Tehran in Beijing, Ali Bagheri Kani briefed Wang on diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict and stressed that Iran would make no concessions regarding its national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
According to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, Bagheri characterized recent US and Israeli attacks—including the killing of the country’s leader and family members—as unforgettable war crimes that must not be allowed to continue, warning that a war against a civilization cannot succeed and will severely disrupt the global economy.
Following his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, Bagheri stated that Tehran and Beijing shared a common perspective concerning both diplomacy and the ongoing war environment.
Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Al Said of Oman arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a state visit to China from November 1 to 2. The visit marks the first by an Omani head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations 48 years ago. pic.twitter.com/zsW46Pwnm9
— https://x.com/CGTNOfficial/status/2117072032718557588
Earlier coverage: China to Send Special Envoy to Middle East to Ease Security Tensions