Xi Jinping proposes 4-point plan for peace in Middle East
What's the story
Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed a four-point plan to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. The proposal was presented during his meeting with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Beijing. The plan calls for peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, upholding international law, and coordinating development with security.
Constructive role
China committed to playing 'constructive' role in Gulf ceasefire talks
During the meeting, President Xi stressed China's commitment to playing a "constructive" role in promoting ceasefire talks in the Gulf region. He urged countries to respect national sovereignty and emphasized that international law must be upheld for peace to prevail. This is one of Xi's few public comments on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, where China has criticized US and Israeli actions against Iran but maintained a strategic distance from direct confrontation.
Strategic distance
China's cautious approach
China has taken a cautious approach throughout the West Asia conflict, which began on February 28. Despite criticizing the US, particularly over its naval blockade of Iran, China has avoided direct confrontation with Washington and its Gulf allies. China has also rejected reports that it provided military assistance to Iran, calling them "baseless and unfounded" after reports claimed Beijing had sent three mystery cargo planes to Tehran.
Diplomatic efforts
Global leaders visiting Beijing
China has welcomed several world leaders that have been affected by the war after ceasefire talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad this weekend failed. Apart from Sheikh Khaled, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is on a two-day official visit to Beijing. Vietnam's President To Lam will also meet Xi this week. Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez will also visit China, but his visit will mainly focus on bilateral trade ties. Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing next month.