As US turns inward, China’s Xi Jinping pledges support to Iran and Iraq
- In phone calls to his Iranian and Iraqi counterparts, Xi continues Beijing’s year of intensive engagement in Middle East
- China has stepped up its efforts to play a larger role in the region, in a week dominated by US withdrawal and retreat
China is pushing for a bigger role in the Middle East, with President Xi Jinping engaging the Iranian and Iraqi leaders with pledges of help, as the United States beats a hasty retreat from Afghanistan and remains in a deadlock with Iran.
In a phone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Xi said China would support Iran’s “legitimate demands” in negotiations over its nuclear programme, and coordinate with the nation on regional affairs.
“No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly relations with Iran. The two sides should continue to support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns,” Xi said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
Xi also spoke by phone with Iraqi President Barham Salih on Wednesday, saying China will support the country’s reconstruction effort.
The calls were the latest push by Beijing for a more prominent role in the region. On Tuesday, China’s special envoy for Middle East affairs Zhai Jun reminded a virtual gathering of Middle Eastern academics and former officials of the extensive engagement so far this year.
Zhai highlighted two visits this year by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who promised to support the sovereignty of countries facing serious conflict, rejecting foreign interference, as well as cooperation in fighting the pandemic.
According to a readout from the Chinese foreign ministry, Zhai said Wang’s visit – along with China’s proposals relating to stability in Syria, the Palestinian-Israel dispute, Iran’s nuclear deal and peace in the Middle East – reflected Beijing’s “willingness to defend international justice and resolve conflicts and disputes to contribute Chinese wisdom to the search for long-term stability in the region”.