DILI, 17 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward four proposals aimed at safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, calling for greater cooperation, respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law.
Xi presented the proposals during a meeting in Beijing with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday.
In remarks outlining his approach, Xi emphasized peaceful coexistence among regional states, describing Gulf countries as closely connected neighbors whose long-term stability depends on cooperation.
“Stay committed to the principle of peaceful co-existence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are close neighbors 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 co-existence,” President Xi said, according to the Chinese Embassy in Timor-Leste.
He also stressed the importance of national sovereignty, saying it is a fundamental principle for all countries, particularly developing nations, and must be respected without violation. He called for the protection of sovereignty, security and territorial integrity across Gulf states, as well as stronger safeguards for personnel, facilities and institutions.
“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. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should be earnestly respected, and the safety of their personnel, facilities and institutions vigorously safeguarded.”
On international governance, Xi urged support for a rules-based system centered on the United Nations, saying global order should be grounded in international law and the principles of the U.N. Charter.
“Stay committed to the principle of international rule of law. It is important to firmly uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order based on international law, and basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter.”
He further called for what he described as a balanced approach to security and development, arguing that the two are mutually reinforcing. Xi said all parties should work to create conditions that support development in Gulf states and expressed China’s willingness to deepen cooperation through its modernization agenda.
“Stay committed to a balanced approach to development and security. Security is a prerequisite for development, and development serves as a safeguard of security. All sides should work to create a sound environment for and bring positive energy to the development of the Gulf states. China stands ready to share with the Gulf countries the opportunities through Chinese modernization, and work with them to nurture a fertile ground for regional development and security.”
TATOLI
