Chinese President Xi Jinping met UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 14, using the summit to unveil a four-point framework for peace and stability in the Middle East while pressing for deeper bilateral ties between China and the United Arab Emirates.

A Strategic Partnership Reaffirmed

Xi described the UAE as China's comprehensive strategic partner, calling on both sides to build a relationship that was, according to In-Cyprus, "more solid, resilient and dynamic." Foreign Minister Wang Yi was also present at the meeting.

On the economic front, Xi called for deeper cooperation spanning energy, investment, trade, science and technology, as well as greater progress in education, civil aviation and tourism. He also proposed enhanced coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and BRICS.

The Four-Point Middle East Plan

Xi outlined four principles he said should guide efforts toward regional peace:

  • Peaceful co-existence: Xi called for support for Gulf states in improving their mutual ties and for the construction of a shared regional security architecture.
  • Respect for national sovereignty: Xi described this as a foundation that must not be violated.
  • Upholding international rule of law: Xi rejected what he called the selective application of international law and reaffirmed the UN-centred international system.
  • A balanced approach to development and security: Xi said China was ready to share with Gulf countries the opportunities arising from Chinese modernisation.

Xi added that China stood ready to continue playing a constructive role in promoting a political settlement in the Middle East.

The Crown Prince's Response

Sheikh Khaled described the China-UAE relationship as long-standing and built on deep roots, and said the UAE commended China's responsible and constructive role in international affairs. He also pledged to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions operating in the UAE.

The Crown Prince said the UAE was committed to working with China to facilitate a ceasefire, restore peace and stability in the region, maintain international shipping security and prevent further impact on the global economy and energy security.

What Comes Next

Xi called for continued high-level exchanges between the two countries as a means of sustaining momentum across the broad agenda agreed at the summit. Both sides signalled a shared interest in coordinating positions at international institutions as tensions in the wider Middle East region remain elevated.