China calls for Mideast dialogue in talks with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman

China's foreign minister Wang Yi convened high-level talks in Beijing on Monday, aiming to resolve the escalating Middle East crisis. The talks featured meetings with Iranian, Omani, and Saudi officials. Wang Yi emphasized that China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, as conveyed to Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

The Chinese minister later called for dialogue to end the conflict while ensuring regional energy security and the safety of shipping lanes, as reported in a Chinese statement.

China, a significant economic partner of Iran, has been actively seeking a detente in the months-long conflict that has disrupted global shipping. US President Donald Trump recently threatened military action against Iran, causing tension in the region. Wang Yi urged all parties to focus on a political solution through reason and pragmatism, as opposed to resorting to armed conflict again.

In a separate development, President Xi Jinping met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman in Beijing. This marked the first visit to China by a head of state from the Gulf nation since diplomatic ties were established. Xi Jinping expressed China's readiness to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, stating that the Middle East should not become a battleground for major-country rivalry and geopolitical conflicts.

Later this month, Beijing will dispatch its Middle East envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia as part of shuttle diplomacy visits aimed at promoting peace talks and easing tensions in the region.