China's Xi Jinping 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 on Monday, emphasizing the importance of respecting regional country sovereignty. Xi highlighted China's appreciation for Jordan's unique and vital regional role, which has been threatened since the United States and Israel carried out strikes against Iran on February 28.

China has consistently advocated for a comprehensive ceasefire and resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement. The Jordanian king, who has been on an official visit to China since August 18, his ninth trip since ascending to the throne in 1999, has been caught in the middle of the U.S.-led war against Iran.

Xi also urged for a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, urging the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks based on the two-state solution. In addition to discussing the Middle East crisis, the two leaders signed several agreements on diplomacy, trade, and supply chains, and called for the restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in a joint statement released by China's foreign ministry.