Saudi Arabia, US review strategic defence cooperation

China intensified diplomatic efforts on Monday to address the Middle East crisis by engaging in consecutive meetings with Iranian, Omani, and Saudi officials in Beijing. The meetings follow a recent escalation in the conflict, initiated by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which has spread to surrounding nations. In a statement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured Iranian Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani, that China stands by Tehran's efforts to protect its sovereignty and security.

Later, during a meeting with Saudi National Security Adviser Musaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, Wang advocated for dialogue to resolve the conflict, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional energy security and ensuring the safety of shipping lanes. China, a significant economic ally of Iran, has long advocated for a de-escalation of the conflict, which has caused disruptions in global shipping.

During his stay in Beijing, Iran's deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani, also met with Chinese officials. Chinese President Xi Jinping met Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for talks, marking the first visit by the Gulf nation's head of state to China since diplomatic relations were established.

Xi expressed China's willingness to contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity, highlighting the need to avoid the conflict becoming a battleground for major-country rivalries and geopolitical conflicts. As part of China's diplomatic strategy, the country will dispatch its Middle East envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia later this month, aiming to facilitate peace talks and alleviate tensions in the region.