On April 14, Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, who was on a visit to China.
The parties exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region. Xi Jinping emphasized China’s principled position on promoting peace and negotiations, reaffirming the willingness to continue playing a constructive role in this regard.
Xi Jinping put forward four proposals for maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East:
First, adhere to the principle of peaceful coexistence. The countries of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf are closely linked and are “neighbors who cannot be separated.” It is necessary to support the improvement of relations among them, promote the creation of a shared, comprehensive, joint, and sustainable security architecture in the region, strengthening the foundations of peaceful coexistence.
Second, adhere to the principle of state sovereignty. Sovereignty is the cornerstone of the existence of all countries, especially developing ones, and it is inviolable.
The sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern and Persian Gulf countries must be genuinely respected, and the safety of personnel, facilities, and institutions of all countries must be reliably protected.
Third, adhere to the principle of international rule of law.
The authority of international law must be defended; it cannot be used when convenient and discarded when not—it is unacceptable to allow the world to return to the “law of the jungle.” There is a need to firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its center, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Fourth, adhere to the coordination of development and security. Security is the prerequisite for development, and development is the guarantee of security. All parties should create favorable conditions and bring positive energy to the development of Middle Eastern and Persian Gulf countries.
China is ready to share the opportunities of Chinese modernization with countries in the region, laying the groundwork for regional development and security.
