| HEADLINE |
|
China steps up Middle East diplomacy to expand regional influence
Published : Monday, 2 November, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Observer Online Report
China is stepping up its diplomatic engagement in the Middle East as it seeks to strengthen its regional influence and expand its role in efforts to mediate tensions involving Iran and its Gulf neighbours.
Beijing has announced that its special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, will visit Iran, Saudi Arabia and Oman in mid-November as part of its intensified diplomatic outreach to the region.
The move comes as the US-Israel war on Iran has heightened regional tensions and raised concerns over energy security, prompting China to pursue a more active diplomatic role.
Oman holds strategic importance for Beijing, as much of its energy export infrastructure is located outside the Strait of Hormuz, making it relatively less vulnerable to disruptions affecting the vital shipping route.
China, which relies heavily on energy supplies from the Gulf, has a strong interest in maintaining secure trade routes and stable relations with regional countries.
Closer diplomatic and economic ties with Oman could also help Beijing strengthen its foothold in the Gulf, where the United States has traditionally maintained significant influence.
China is seeking to establish itself as a more prominent regional player alongside Washington, with the longer-term ambition of challenging, and potentially reducing, US influence in the Middle East.
- MaT
Loading...
Loading...
Also read
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
