World
China Intensifies Middle East Outreach with Iran and Oman Talks
China has increased its diplomatic activity in the Middle East amid the US‑Israel war over Iran. On Monday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing. Wang said that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path forward as regional conflicts continue to risk further spillover, and reaffirmed China’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and security. Beijing has repeatedly blamed the United States and Israel for the conflict.
Al Jazeera’s Katrina Yu reported that China’s diplomatic efforts had stalled for weeks or months, but the recent meetings suggest growing impatience. Yu said China is frustrated and wants to be seen as part of the process.
The 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.
President Xi Jinping hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the first Omani head of state to visit China since diplomatic relations were established in 1978. Xi said the Middle East and Gulf should not become an arena for great‑power rivalry and geopolitical conflict. He described the bilateral ties with Oman as being at a "new historical starting point".
During the visit, China and Oman signed 14 cooperation documents covering artificial intelligence, green energy, supply chains and a currency swap agreement. In a joint statement, the two sides called for safe navigation to resume through the Strait of Hormuz and urged the United States and Iran to restart dialogue. Yu noted that the conflict has made the relationship a higher priority for both sides, especially given the disruption to China’s energy imports, and highlighted Oman’s importance because many of its ports lie outside the strait.
Frequently asked questions
Which Middle Eastern countries did China engage with during its recent diplomatic outreach?
China engaged with Iran and Oman, meeting Iran’s deputy secretary Ali Bagheri Kani and hosting Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
What agreements were signed between China and Oman during the visit?
They signed 14 cooperation documents covering artificial intelligence, green energy, supply chains, and a currency swap agreement.
Who is the special envoy that will visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia?
Zhai Jun, Beijing’s special envoy on the Middle East.