Xi Jinping proposes four-point plan for Middle East peace and diplomacy
by “Friends of Socialist China”*
(1 May 2026) (CH-S) The Western media provide little information about the People’s Republic of China’s stance on the war in the Middle East, even though the country is playing a significant behind-the-scenes role in the ceasefire negotiations. Below, we reproduce an article by “Friends of Socialist China” which summarises China’s position.
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the Iran conflict. Behind the scenes, China is working towards a
peaceful solution. (Picture wikipedia)
Chinese President Xi Jinping has advanced four propositions aimed at safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
He outlined these at a 14 April meeting in Beijing with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates, UAE).
Xi Jinping stressed China’s principled position of promoting peace and facilitating talks and reiterated his country’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in this regard. His four-point proposition stresses:
- Stay committed to the principle of peaceful coexistence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are close neighbours that cannot move away. It’s important to support the Gulf states in improving their ties, work to build a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture of the Middle East and the Gulf region, and consolidate the foundation for peaceful coexistence.
- Stay committed to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated.
- Stay committed to the principle of international rule of law. We should safeguard the authority of international rule of law, reject selective application, and prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle. It is important to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
- Stay committed to a balanced approach to development and security. Security is a prerequisite for development and development serves as a safeguard of security.
The previous day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had met with the Special Envoy of the UAE President to China1 Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, who was accompanying Al Nahyan.
Also on 13 April, Wang Yi had a phone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Dar gave a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States and expressed appreciation for China’s endeavours to promote peace. Pakistan stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China and jointly play a positive role in realising peace in the region.
Wang Yi reiterated China’s principled position and commended Pakistan for facilitating a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran and for hosting the Islamabad talks, noting that Pakistan has played a fair and balanced mediating role.
He said that the current ceasefire remains highly fragile and the regional situation is at a critical turning point. The pressing priority is to do everything possible to prevent the resumption of hostilities and sustain the hard-won momentum of the ceasefire. The international community should step up efforts to promote peace talks and unequivocally oppose any actions that undermine the ceasefire and escalate confrontation.
The Five-Point Initiative of China and Pakistan for Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region reflects the consensus of the international community on promoting peace and can continue to serve as a direction for efforts toward resolving the issue.
The Chinese side is pleased to see Pakistan play a greater role and stands ready to work with Pakistan and the rest of the international community to continue making positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.
Then, on 15 April, Wang had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.2
Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed on the latest progress in Iran‑US negotiations and Iran’s next‑step considerations, stating that Iran stands ready to continue seeking a rational and realistic solution through peaceful negotiations. Iran highly appreciates China’s consistent efforts to de‑escalate tensions and hopes China will play an active role in promoting peace and ending the conflict.
Wang Yi stated that China, as always, supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity. China supports sustaining the momentum of ceasefire and negotiations, which serves the fundamental interests of the Iranian people and meets the shared aspiration of regional countries and the international community.
The sovereignty, security and legitimate rights and interests of Iran as a country bordering the Strait of Hormuz should be respected and upheld. Guided by the essence of President Xi Jinping’s four propositions, China stands ready to continue to facilitate de‑escalation, promote the improvement of relations among regional countries, and play a constructive role in ultimately achieving enduring peace and stability in the Middle East.
| * “Friends of Socialist China” is a platform dedicated to supporting the People’s Republic of China and promoting understanding of Chinese socialism. |
Source: Xi Jinping Proposes Four-Point Plan For Middle East Peace And Diplomacy - PopularResistance.Org, 19. April 2026
1 https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/wjbz/hd/202604/t20260414_11891629.html, 13. April 2026
2 https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/wjbz/hd/202604/t20260416_11893024.html, 15. April 2026