China urges political talks to settle West Asia tensions, says Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Iran’s Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani, that all parties in the West Asia conflict must choose political solutions over new weapons, during a Beijing meeting on November 2, 2026. Citing Xinhua news agency, Wang said dialogue and negotiation are the only path to end the fighting and reiterated China’s backing for Iran’s sovereignty and security. The same day President Xi Jinping cautioned Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al‑Said that the Gulf and wider West Asia should not turn into a great‑power rivalry arena. A China‑Oman joint statement following the talks said Muscat supports Beijing’s peace proposals and expects a bigger Chinese role in delivering lasting regional stability. Beijing also announced that its special envoy for West Asia will travel to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia later this month to push diplomatic engagement. The BRICS parliamentary forum has expressed deep concern over the hostilities, adding pressure for a negotiated settlement. China’s comments come as it seeks a larger diplomatic footprint in a region marked by ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel and other Gulf states.

Context

China’s emphasis on dialogue fits its wider aim to be a neutral mediator, while Iran looks for partners to protect its interests. Oman’s endorsement shows some Gulf states are open to Beijing‑led peace efforts.