China’s Major Diplomatic Push for Middle East Influence: Special Envoy Visits Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Oman
China has initiated a major diplomatic effort aimed at reducing Washington’s unilateral influence in the Middle East while strengthening its own geopolitical standing and role as a mediator in the region. In mid-November, Beijing’s Special Envoy on Middle East Affairs, Zhai Jun, will embark on a diplomatic visit to three key regional nations, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. According to Beijing sources, Special Envoy Zhai Jun’s upcoming tour is expected to advance China’s diplomatic mediation efforts in the Middle East.
Amid ongoing US-Israel-Iran tensions, Oman has experienced relatively less disruption to its energy exports than other Middle Eastern nations, primarily because a significant portion of its main ports lies outside the Strait of Hormuz. For China, which heavily relies on the Gulf region for its energy imports, Oman’s strategic positioning plays a vital role.
Diplomatic analysts note that Beijing has long sought to expand its long-term presence across the Gulf and the broader Middle East. Building closer ties with strategically crucial states like Oman serves as a key pillar of this ambition. China’s primary objective is to establish itself alongside the US as a major global power in the Middle East, challenging Washington’s long-standing dominance in the region over the long run.
Source: Al Jazeera.
