By Basant El-Faramawy
China has launched a flurry of high-level meetings with Gulf leaders, signaling a stepped-up diplomatic push in the Middle East just weeks before an anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Shenzhen on November 18-19.
Historic Omani visit
Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq arrived in Beijing on Monday for the first state visit by an Omani head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations nearly 50 years ago. Xi warned that the Middle East should not become an arena for "great power rivalry and geopolitical conflicts," adding that China is committed to stopping conflict and promoting peace. The Chinese readout said Xi hopes to contribute wisdom and solutions to resolving the regional security dilemma.
Talks with Saudi and Iranian officials
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate talks with Saudi Arabia's national security adviser, Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, and Iran's deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani. Wang said China is willing to play a constructive role in helping the region achieve lasting peace and stability. In the meeting with Bagheri Kani, Wang expressed China's support for Iran "in safeguarding its sovereignty and security," while the Iranian official said Tehran looks forward to China playing a more important role in international and regional peace.
China's growing influence and economic leverage
Beijing was credited with pushing Tehran toward ceasefire talks in Pakistan after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, bolstering its status as a regional mediator. China buys about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, giving it significant economic leverage. Between April and June, China slashed its crude imports by 30%, with June volumes hitting a decade low. Analysts estimate the cut shaved $30 or more off Brent crude prices, easing global inflation.
Shifting global perceptions and risks
As the conflict has dragged on, China's diplomatic efforts have been relatively muted, partly because Beijing does not view the conflict as its responsibility to resolve. However, a Pew Research Center survey published in July found China is now viewed more favorably than the United States in a majority of 36 countries. The long-term disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil and gas chokepoint, also poses a risk to China's economy by driving up energy costs and potentially reducing global demand for Chinese goods.
Upcoming diplomatic push
Trump has repeatedly threatened to renew military action against Iran after the U.S. midterm elections, a move that would alarm Beijing. Trump's desire to reach a Middle East deal may also give China an opportunity to present itself as a regional peacemaker ahead of the Xi-Trump meeting. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Monday that special envoy Zhai Jun will visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November.
