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China stresses friendship with Saudi Arabia and Iran

March 8, 2017 at 1:55 pm

Image of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 17 February 2017 [Andreas Gebert/Anadolu Agency]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hopes to resolve differences with Saudi Arabia through talks, ahead of a visit by Saudi King Abdullah next week.

Image of China's president Xi Jinping with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz [People's DailyChina/Facebook]

Image of Chinese President Xi Jinping with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz [People’s DailyChina/Facebook]

Describing China as a friend to both Saudi Arabia and Iran, Wang said that his country welcomes Salman’s visit, which the foreign ministry confirmed would take place from 15-18March.

China has traditionally played little role in Middle East conflicts or diplomacy, despite its reliance on the region for oil. But it has been trying to get more involved in efforts to end Syria’s six-year civil war, where Riyadh supports opposition groups battling President Bashar Al-Assad. Iran, on the other hand, backs Al-Assad’s attempts to remain in power.

Last year China also offered support for Yemen’s government, which is backed by a Saudi-led Gulf Arab coalition in a war against the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement that controls much of the country.

China has had to tread a careful line, though, as it also has close relations with Iran. President Xi Jinping visited both Saudi Arabia and Iran in January last year.

“We hope that Saudi Arabia and Iran can resolve the problems that exist between them via equal and friendly consultations”

Wang said at his annual news conference on the sidelines of parliament.

“China is friends with both Saudi Arabia and Iran. If there is a need, China is willing to play our necessary role,” he added, without elaborating.

King Salman began a month-long Asian tour late February to build ties with the world’s fastest growing importers of Saudi oil and promote investment opportunities, including the sale of a stake in its giant state firm Saudi Aramco.