Xi Jinping Calls for Peaceful Resolution to Middle East Conflict at BRICS Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping urges a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East and emphasizes the two-state solution.
Quick Look
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged BRICS members to work toward a peaceful resolution in the Middle East, calling for a permanent ceasefire and emphasizing the two-state solution during a speech at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The BRICS bloc expanded to include nations like Iran and Egypt, while US-Iran tensions persist following recent economic sanctions.
The BRICS bloc should work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, adding that his country is willing to play a key role.
"The situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region continues to evolve in a complex manner. This conflict has caused severe losses to the people of the region and is not in the common interest of the international community," Xi said in a speech at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday.
"All relevant parties should adhere to the direction of a political solution and promote a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. We must attach importance to addressing the root causes of the problems," Xi said in a Google translation of a transcript of the speech provided by the Chinese government.
Xi added that the Palestinian question has always been at the core of the Middle East issue and stressed the importance of implementing the so-called "two-state solution" with Israel.
"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," Xi said.
China is Iran's biggest trading partner, and a key customer of Tehran's energy exports.
The Trump administration imposed a tough new wave of economic sanctions against Iran last month. The Treasury Department's measures, dubbed "Operation Economic Outcast", aim to sever Iran's financial connections around the world.
Treasury Scott Bessent suggested at the launch of the operation that China would not be exempt.
While energy prices soared in the wake of the conflict, economists say China has helped prevent them rise even further due to years of stockpiling and its subsequent pullback of oil purchases.
President Donald Trump is slated to host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House later this month.
BRICS was established in 2009 as a counterweight to Western dominance and originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It eventually grew to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
President Donald Trump will host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House later this month.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How will BRICS members respond to Xi's call for mediation?
- Will China receive exemptions from US sanctions on Iran?
