China expressed its belief that Iran would be able to handle the recent situation well, while also safeguarding its sovereignty and dignity. This came after an attack on Iran’s embassy in Syria and its subsequent retaliatory strike. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, commending Iran for not targeting regional and neighboring countries and emphasizing the limited and self-defensive nature of its actions. China strongly condemned the embassy attack and called it unacceptable.
Amir-Abdollahian assured Wang that Iran is aware of the regional tensions and is committed to exercising restraint, with no intention of further escalation. Following Iran’s attack, tensions in the Middle East have escalated, with Israel promising a response and numerous countries summoning Iranian ambassadors. In an effort to prevent further escalation, Wang also spoke with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, expressing China’s willingness to work with Riyadh to avoid further confrontations in the region.
Saudi Arabia highly expects China to play an active role in de-escalating the situation in the Middle East. The Saudi foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, expressed willingness to strengthen communication and coordination with China to promote an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Clashes between Israel and Iran-aligned groups have erupted in various Middle Eastern countries since the start of the conflict in Gaza in October, further complicating the situation.
Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s trust in China and expressed a desire to enhance bilateral cooperation, pushing for sustainable development in their relationship. The dialogue between China and Saudi Arabia signals a potential partnership in de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and promoting peace in the region. With both countries emphasizing the need for restraint and peaceful resolutions, there is hope for stability in a region plagued by conflict and unrest.
China’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia demonstrate its willingness to play a constructive role in resolving conflicts and promoting peace in the Middle East. By engaging with key regional players and advocating for restraint, China aims to prevent further escalation and support a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts. The dialogue between China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia highlights the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing complex regional challenges and fostering stability in the Middle East.
