Chinese President Xi Jinping met UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Beijing on April 14, using the talks to outline a four-point plan for peace and stability in the Middle East and to call for deeper cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People, with the Crown Prince in China on an official visit. Foreign Minister Wang Yi was also present.
Xi described the UAE as China’s comprehensive strategic partner and said both sides should work toward a partnership that was more solid, resilient and dynamic. He called for continued high-level exchanges, stronger strategic mutual trust and deeper cooperation in energy, investment, trade, science and technology, as well as greater progress in education, civil aviation and tourism. He also proposed enhanced coordination at multilateral forums including the United Nations and BRICS.
On the Middle East, Xi set out four principles he said should guide efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. The first was peaceful co-existence, with Xi calling for support for Gulf states in improving their ties and for the building of a shared regional security architecture.
The second was respect for national sovereignty, which he described as a foundation that must not be violated, adding that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf states should be earnestly respected.
The third was upholding international rule of law, rejecting what he called selective application and reaffirming the UN-centred international system.
The fourth was a balanced approach to development and security, with Xi saying China was ready to share with Gulf countries the opportunities arising from Chinese modernisation.
Xi said China stood ready to continue playing a constructive role in promoting a political settlement in the Middle East.
The Crown Prince said the China-UAE relationship was long-standing and built on deep roots, and that the UAE was committed to implementing the common understandings reached between the two heads of state. He said the UAE commended China’s responsible and constructive role in international affairs and its efforts on promoting a political settlement of the crisis in the Middle East.
The Crown Prince added that the UAE was committed to working with China to facilitate a ceasefire, restore peace and stability in the region, maintain international shipping security and prevent further impact on the global economy and energy security. He also pledged to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the UAE.