Beijing urges prevention of renewed fighting in the Middle East

China said this week that its main priority is to prevent a return to hostilities in the Middle East. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday that renewed fighting would be a catastrophe for the people of the region. In recent days Beijing has intensified efforts to halt the eight-month crisis, which began in February with Israeli and US strikes on Iran.

Call for negotiations

According to Mao, China will support Iran and the United States in resolving their disputes through talks. It will also promote the search for a political settlement on the Yemen issue, in order to help reach an appropriate and comprehensive solution for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump again threatened Iran with massive strikes over the weekend.

Meetings in Beijing

China, one of Iran's main economic partners, held a series of meetings in Beijing on Monday with Iranian, Omani and Saudi Arabian officials, urging them to return to the negotiating table.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also met the Sultan of Oman in Beijing this week to discuss the situation. He warned that the Middle East must not become an arena for rivalry between major powers.

Next steps

At the end of the month, Beijing will send its Middle East envoy to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia. A Foreign Ministry representative described the trips as shuttle diplomacy visits aimed at promoting peace talks and easing tensions.