China's Xi urges 'diplomatic' Mideast solution in talks with Jordan's king

Chinese President Xi Jinping advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the Middle East crisis during talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement. Xi emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of countries in the region, particularly Jordan, which has been caught in the middle of the conflict between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other following the latter's missile strikes on February 28.

The Chinese leader highlighted China's commitment to a comprehensive ceasefire and resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means. King Abdullah II, who has visited China nine times since ascending to the throne in 1999, was visiting Beijing at the time of the talks. The two leaders also agreed on the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, with China supporting the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks based on the two-state solution.

Additionally, the two sides signed several agreements on diplomacy, trade and supply chains and issued a joint statement calling for the restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.