Xi Jinping Calls for Middle East Stability and Rule of Law During UAE Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a four-point plan to promote peace and stability in the Middle East on April 14, 2026, during a meeting in Beijing with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The proposal marks the first public statement from President Xi regarding Middle Eastern issues since the beginning of the war in Iran over a month prior. During the talks, the Chinese leader emphasized that the international rule of law must be upheld for peace and stability to prevail in the region.

Critique of U.S.-Israeli Actions

President Xi’s call for the adherence to the rule of law served as a rebuke of the war on Iran involving the United States, and Israel. In his statements, he warned against the adoption of the law of the jungle in the Middle East, suggesting that such an approach undermines regional stability.

The diplomatic engagement with the UAE Crown Prince focused on the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of Middle Eastern and Gulf nations. This stance aligns with China’s broader effort to position itself as a constructive actor in the resolution of regional conflicts.

Four-Point Proposal for Stability

According to reports from the state-run Xinhua News Agency and CGTN, President Xi put forward four specific principles intended to guide the restoration of peace in the Middle East. While the overarching goal is the promotion of stability, the core of the proposal centers on the following elements:

• The upholding of the international rule of law.
• The respect for the sovereignty of Middle Eastern and Gulf countries.
• The rejection of the law of the jungle in regional diplomacy and conflict.
• The pursuit of more robust and dynamic ties between China and the Arab world.

These principles are intended to provide a framework for diplomatic resolution and the prevention of further escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Strategic and Economic Context

Beyond the immediate security concerns in the Middle East, the meeting between the Chinese leadership and the UAE delegation touched upon economic cooperation. Reports indicate that discussions included the stable supply of energy, a critical priority for China given its reliance on Middle Eastern oil and gas imports.

The diplomatic visit also involved meetings with other high-ranking Chinese officials, including Premier Li Qiang, who held talks with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. These interactions underscore China’s strategic interest in maintaining strong bilateral relations with the UAE as a gateway to the broader Gulf region.

By proposing a structured peace plan and criticizing the military actions of the U.S. And Israel, China is attempting to expand its influence in the Middle East, offering an alternative diplomatic path that emphasizes sovereignty and international law over military intervention.