Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met separately with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Saudi Arabia's national security advisor, in Beijing on Monday. As Wang stressed in both meetings, dialogue and negotiations represent a viable way to ease tensions in the Middle East.
On the same day, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that Chinese special envoys would embark on shuttle visits to countries in the Middle East and Africa later this month to promote peace talks and de-escalate tensions.
These pro-peace endeavors came just days after Washington issued a fresh war threat, more than eight months into the conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which has spilled over into neighboring countries and beyond, and disrupted the global energy market. What is worrying is that the US carried out strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to a US official. There are fears that another round of fighting would be more dangerous and destructive than the last, and would only "lead to nowhere".
As the region once again stands at a critical juncture between war and peace, China's efforts are particularly timely. They aim to encourage dialogue, ease tensions and contain the spillover effects, with a special focus on safeguarding regional energy security and the safety of shipping lanes — an endeavor vital for the global economy. This reflects China's commitment to building consensus and shouldering major-country responsibilities through concrete actions.
The situation in the Middle East is highly intricate and complex. China has consistently maintained an objective and impartial stance, which positions the country as a credible mediator.
Moreover, China's stance, which emphasizes respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries while considering the legitimate security concerns of all parties, has won recognition among the international community. Its approach aims to help Middle Eastern nations build bridges of mutual trust and promote ongoing de-escalation and risk mitigation, reinforcing the message that patient mediation, rather than external pressure, is what the region needs most at this time.
The Iranian side appreciates the peace initiatives and propositions put forward by China, as well as the country's consistent commitment to multilateralism, and looks forward to China playing a greater role in international and regional peace, as Kani noted during his meeting with Wang. These remarks reflect a growing recognition in the region that China's approach — rooted in sovereignty, multilateralism and dialogue rather than pressure — addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
In a region long plagued by conflicts, China's consistent peace efforts serve as a crucial counterweight to forces driving division. Through mediation and a steadfast adherence to the United Nations Charter, China is not just reacting to crises but actively shaping a more secure future for all. This dedication to peace underscores its advocacy that lasting peace is best achieved through mutual understanding and dialogue.
Contrary to the approach of certain countries that seek to stoke conflicts, incite bloc confrontation and engage in geopolitical maneuvering, China has always stood on the side of peace and justice, and upheld dialogue over confrontation, and win-win outcomes over zero-sum calculation. This consistency is what makes the country a reliable partner for the Middle East.
No country can emerge victorious from war, and peace is the only right path forward. The world today urgently needs forces that promote stability, unity and peace. China's continuous efforts to facilitate peace talks and its active involvement in addressing global hotspot issues are essential not only for preventing wars and advancing common development, but also embody the principle of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
