China says avoiding new hostilities in Mideast a 'top priority'

Beijing has declared preventing further hostilities in the Middle East as its top diplomatic priority. Spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized that avoiding a recurrence of violence is crucial to prevent "disaster" for the region's people. China, being a major economic partner with Iran, facilitated a series of meetings between Iranian, Omani, and Saudi officials in Beijing.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi advocated for protected shipping lanes and urged a "spirit of reason" during talks with Saudi National Security Adviser Musaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban and Iran's Ali Bagheri Kani. Chinese President Xi Jinping also participated in talks in Beijing, warning against the Middle East turning into a "wrestling ground for major-country rivalry."

Beijing plans to dispatch its Middle East envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to engage in shuttle diplomacy and ease tensions in the region.