Chinese President Xi Jinping has outlined a four-point proposal aimed at promoting peace and stability in West Asia, as regional tensions continue to raise global concern. The initiative was presented during a meeting in Beijing with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
During the talks, Xi emphasised the need to uphold peaceful coexistence and called for the development of a comprehensive and cooperative security framework across West Asia and the Gulf region. He said such a system should be sustainable and inclusive, designed to reduce tensions and encourage long-term stability.
A key part of the proposal focused on respect for national sovereignty. Xi stressed that countries in the region must have their territorial integrity and security fully protected, while also ensuring the safety of people, infrastructure and institutions. He warned that undermining sovereignty could deepen instability and prolong conflicts.
The Chinese leader also highlighted the importance of international law, urging all parties to uphold its authority. He cautioned against a return to what he described as “the law of the jungle,” where power overrides rules, arguing that such a shift would increase global uncertainty and conflict.
Another pillar of Xi’s proposal centred on balancing development with security. He said countries in West Asia should work together to create conditions that support economic growth while maintaining stability, noting that long-term peace is closely linked to development opportunities.
In a separate meeting in Beijing, Xi held discussions with Pedro Sánchez, who is on an official visit to China. The two leaders addressed broader global challenges, including rising geopolitical tensions and the future of international cooperation.
Xi said the world is facing increasing instability, marked by competition between rule-based systems and power-driven approaches. He called on China and Spain to strengthen coordination in defending multilateralism and promoting dialogue.
For his part, Sánchez said Spain opposes the emergence of a new Cold War and warned against economic decoupling and the disruption of global supply chains. He expressed support for closer engagement between Europe and China, stressing the importance of communication and cooperation in addressing shared challenges.
The meetings come at a time of heightened concern over conflicts in the Middle East and shifting global alliances. China has increasingly positioned itself as a diplomatic player in the region, advocating dialogue and economic cooperation as pathways to stability.
Xi’s proposal signals Beijing’s intent to play a more active role in shaping the security landscape of West Asia, while also reinforcing its stance on multilateralism in an increasingly divided international environment.
