Beijing is intensifying its diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, marking a shift after a period of relative inactivity regarding the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with senior Iranian security officials in the capital, while President Xi Jinping hosted a historic visit from Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. These moves signal a renewed effort by China to position itself as a central mediator in the region.
China Middle East diplomacy reactivated
The diplomatic push comes as Beijing expresses growing frustration with the lack of progress in ending the war. Wang Yi met with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, to discuss the escalating tensions. During the meeting, Wang stated that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path forward, warning that continued conflict risks further regional spillover.
China has consistently attributed the start of the conflict to the United States and Israel. Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and security. The meeting underscores China’s strategic interest in the region, given that it is Iran’s largest trading partner and primary buyer of crude oil.
Analysts note that China’s diplomatic activity had stalled in recent weeks. Katrina Yu, reporting from Beijing, indicated that Beijing is eager to be seen entering the peace process. The recent high-level meetings appear designed to demonstrate that China is impatient with the status quo and is actively seeking to influence the outcome.
Oman visit and energy security
Simultaneously, President Xi Jinping hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Beijing. This marks the first visit by an Omani head of state to China since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1978. Xi described the bilateral relationship as being at a new historical starting point, emphasizing that the Middle East should not become an arena for great-power rivalry.
Oman holds significant strategic value due to its location near the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is critical for global energy exports, with one-fifth of such trade passing through it before the conflict restricted traffic. China, as one of the world’s largest energy importers, relies heavily on stable supply chains in the region.
During the visit, China and Oman signed 14 cooperation documents. The agreements cover artificial intelligence, green energy, and supply chains, alongside a currency swap agreement. A joint statement from the two nations called for the resumption of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and urged the United States and Iran to restart dialogue.
The conflict has heightened the importance of Oman for China. Many of Oman’s ports are located outside the Strait of Hormuz, offering alternative routes for energy imports. This geographic advantage makes the relationship more critical for Beijing as it seeks to mitigate the risks associated with the ongoing war.
To further these efforts, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Zhai Jun, Beijing’s special envoy on the Middle East, will visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia later this month. The trip is expected to continue the push for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.
Source: Al Jazeera
