China has intensified its diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, holding high-level talks with Iranian and Saudi officials while hosting Oman’s leader in Beijing on Monday, November 2.
The meetings, alongside plans to dispatch a special envoy to the Gulf, signal renewed Chinese efforts to encourage negotiations amid the continuing US-Israel war on Iran and disruptions to regional energy supplies.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met separately with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Saudi national security adviser Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.
Wang urged regional parties to pursue political solutions rather than renewed military confrontation, emphasizing negotiations as the path toward resolving ongoing hostilities.
During discussions with Bagheri Kani, Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Iranian sovereignty and security.
In his meeting with Al-Aiban, Wang called for an end to hostilities and emphasized protecting regional energy infrastructure and shipping routes.
The Saudi official also delivered a letter from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
It remained unclear whether the Iranian and Saudi representatives had any direct contact in Beijing.
China additionally announced that its Middle East special envoy, Zhai Jun, would visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia during November.
Meanwhile, Xi welcomed Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, marking the first visit by an Omani head of state to China since diplomatic relations were established in 1978.
Xi warned against turning the Middle East and Gulf into arenas for geopolitical rivalry, while Oman expressed support for Chinese peace proposals.
The two governments signed 14 cooperation documents covering artificial intelligence, green energy and supply chains, alongside a currency swap agreement.
Their joint statement called for restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and resuming dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
The strategic waterway previously carried approximately one-fifth of global energy exports before wartime restrictions disrupted traffic.
Oman’s position near Hormuz, including ports outside the strait, has gained importance amid disruptions affecting Chinese energy imports.
The diplomatic activity follows a period of limited Chinese engagement and underscores Beijing’s renewed emphasis on regional stability, energy security and negotiated solutions.