# Xi asks BRICS to push for a Middle East ceasefire

> At the New Delhi summit, China's leader offered BRICS as a peace broker, weeks before he sits down with Trump.
- Title: Xi asks BRICS to push for a Middle East ceasefire · CNBC
- Summary: At the New Delhi summit, China's leader offered BRICS as a peace broker, weeks before he sits down with Trump. Xi is positioning China as a Middle East…
- Keywords: brics, china, middle east, diplomacy, oil, business, finance, asks, push, Middle, East, ceasefire
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/09/13/chinas-xi-urges-brics-peace-middle-east.html
- Author: Azhar Sukri
- Published: 2026-09-13T09:41:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: brics, china, middle east, diplomacy, oil, business, finance
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Xi is positioning China as a Middle East peacemaker through BRICS, and the timing points straight at his White House meeting with Trump.