Xi calls on BRICS

Speaking at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, Xi Jinping told the bloc to work for a peaceful end to the Middle East conflict, and said China wants a leading role.

“China is willing to work with BRICS members to play its due role in achieving peace and tranquility in the Middle East and the Gulf region.”

A permanent ceasefire

He pressed for a political solution and a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire, arguing the fighting has cost the region dearly and serves nobody's interest.

“All relevant parties should adhere to the direction of a political solution and promote a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.”

Two states, not talking points

Xi put the Palestinian question at the centre of the whole dispute and pushed for the two-state solution with Israel, plus attention to the root causes.

“We must attach importance to addressing the root causes of the problems.”

China's stake in Iran

China is Iran's biggest trading partner and a major buyer of its energy, so any settlement in the Gulf runs through Beijing's ledger as well as its diplomacy.

Sanctions land on Beijing

Washington's new Iran sanctions, branded Operation Economic Outcast, aim to cut Tehran off financially. Treasury's Scott Bessent signalled China gets no exemption.

A summit before the summit

Years of Chinese stockpiling and a pullback in oil buying kept prices from spiking further. Xi says this ahead of a White House visit with Trump later this month.