Chinese President Xi Jinping met Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Beijing on Tuesday, where the two sides discussed regional stability and strengthening bilateral ties.
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the failure of recent talks to end the war involving Iran.
Xi Calls for Rule of Law
During the talks, Xi said the international rule of law must be upheld to ensure peace and stability in the region.
“The rule of law cannot be used when convenient and discarded when not,” he said, adding that the world must not return to the “law of the jungle”.
His remarks come as China has repeatedly criticised the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran as illegal.
Four-Point Plan for Stability
Xi also outlined a four-point proposal focused on peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law and coordination between development and security.
He called for a comprehensive and cooperative security architecture for the Middle East and Gulf region, while stressing the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty and critical infrastructure.
China is willing to share opportunities from its modernisation with Gulf countries to support regional development, he added.
Conflict Disrupts Energy Flows
The talks took place as tensions in the Gulf continue to affect global energy flows.
Iran has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz to vessels it deems unfriendly, while the United States military has begun a blockade of Iranian ports.
Oil shipments from Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, have declined, and China’s imports have also been affected, with vessels stuck in the Strait.
China-UAE Strategic Partnership
Xi said China is willing to work with the UAE to build a more robust and dynamic strategic partnership, highlighting progress in political trust, economic cooperation and cultural exchange.
He called for deeper collaboration in energy, investment, trade and technology, as well as greater coordination on platforms such as the United Nations and BRICS.
UAE Backs Stability Efforts
Sheikh Khaled said the UAE values its ties with China and is committed to expanding cooperation.
He said the UAE supports efforts to promote ceasefires, restore regional stability and safeguard international shipping, while ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country.
(with inputs from Reuters)
