Latest news with #ZhaiJun


Newsweek
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Weighs In on Gaza War
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for Arab efforts to end the Gaza conflict, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The Chinese government wants to see access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, a more stabile West Bank, and progress toward a two-state solution, said its special envoy to the Middle East at a gathering in Beijing of diplomats from Arab states. Newsweek contacted the U.S. State Department for comment. Why It Matters China's international diplomacy in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is part of its desire to play a bigger leadership role in the Middle East, in a direct challenge to U.S. support for Israel amid Arab frustrations over the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the U.S.-backed aid distribution system. Since Israel started its offensive into Gaza in response to Hamas' October 7 attack in 2023, Beijing has sought to undermine American credibility in the region amid rising U.S.-China trade and political tensions. Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Zawaida in the central Gaza Strip, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Zawaida in the central Gaza Strip, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo What To Know Zhai Jun, China's special envoy to the Middle East, said the war in Gaza "must be stopped immediately" so humanitarian aid can flow freely, according to a Chinese readout of the meeting. "China supports Arab countries in strengthening unity and playing a greater role in the Palestinian question, and is willing to work with the international community, including Arab countries, to promote the comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question on the basis of the two-state solution at an early date," Zhai said. In what was described by the Chinese Foreign Ministry as a collective statement, the Arab envoys said their governments "firmly oppose and condemn Israel's violence, blockade and starvation policies in the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as any actions that infringe on Palestinian lands and forcibly alter the demographic structure of Palestine." "The Arab side hopes that China will continue to uphold a just position on the Palestinian question and play a more constructive role, helping the Palestinian people determine their own future and ultimately achieve the establishment of an independent State of Palestine," the Chinese readout said. In November 2023, China hosted a high‑level meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim-majority countries to discuss the Israel‑Hamas war, in what was an early sign that Beijing saw the conflict as an opportunity to step in at a time when U.S. credibility was under strain. China and the United States have since found themselves on opposite ends of the diplomatic divide at the United Nations over where to lay the blame for the crisis in Gaza. What People Are Saying Zhai Jun, China's special envoy to the Middle East, said on Tuesday: "China firmly stands with the Palestinian people and on the side of fairness and justice. Currently, the Palestinian question is at a critical stage." Ahmed Aboudouh, an associate fellow at Chatham House, wrote back in October 2023: "China has refrained from describing the Hamas incursion into Israel as a terrorist attack but has called Israel's retaliation 'collective punishment' of Palestinian civilians. […] The ultimate objective is to degrade the U.S.'s global standing and win the 'discourse power' war by capitalizing on sympathy for Palestinians worldwide." What Happens Next Key Gulf and Arab powers may step up efforts to fill the vacuum left by the failed U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.


Al Etihad
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Anwar Gargash meets with China's Special Envoy on Middle East
29 Apr 2025 16:13 ABU DHABI (WAM)Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, met today with Zhai Jun, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation, in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two friendly countries, and reviewed a number of regional and international issues of common Gargash reiterated the UAE's firm position in support of peace and stability in the region, emphasising that the major challenges facing the Middle East call for strengthened dialogue and communication, prioritising diplomatic solutions, and intensifying regional and international efforts to advance a comprehensive peace process. The meeting was attended by Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UAE.


Leaders
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Chinese Special Envoy on Middle East Issue
Home / Politics & News / Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Chinese Special Envoy on Middle East Issue Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member, and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir has met with Chinese Government Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue, Zhai Jun, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Both officials have reviewed the Saudi-Chinese relations and discussed how to develop their bilateral cooperation. Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Chinese Special Envoy on Middle East Issue During the meeting, they also delved into the latest developments in the Middle East, along with regional and international issues of mutual concern. Related Topics: Saudi-Chinese Team Achieves Progress in Archaeological Excavation at Al-Sirrain Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award: Strengthening Saudi-Chinese Cultural Ties Saudi Arabia Hosts Chinese Film Nights Festival in Jeddah Short link : Post Views: 6 Tags Adel Al-Jubeir Saudi-Chinese relations


Observer
17-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman an important player in the Indian Ocean region: Chinese special envoy
Oman, a nation with a strong maritime tradition, has played a significant role in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among Asian countries, according to Chinese special envoy, Zhai Jun. Jun highlighted the historical significance of Omani navigator Abu Obaid, who set sail from Suhar over 1200 years ago and navigated along the Indian Ocean coast, reaching China's Guangzhou. 'This incident etched a remarkable chapter in history and it was the beginning of the brotherly relations between the two countries. The 8th Indian Ocean Conference held in Oman is of great significance, and I believe with the efforts of Oman and support of participating countries, it will surely witness a great success,' he told the media. The Indian Ocean serves as a hub for global economic exchanges and trade, with the largest number of developing countries and significant development potential. China is committed to deepening development cooperation with the region, building a maritime community with shared interests, and promoting high-quality, sustainable development. Jun expressed gratitude to the Omani government for their warm reception and thoughtful arrangements. He highlighted the longstanding friendship between Oman and China, emphasising the need to strengthen political trust, practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges to advance the China-Oman strategic partnership. The close ties between countries in the Indian Ocean region, in terms of people-to-people exchanges, trade and culture, were also praised. Jun noted the historical friendship between Oman and China, dating back to the voyages of Zheng He, which enhanced cultural exchanges between the two countries.


Muscat Daily
17-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
China reaffirms commitment to IOC at Oman Conference
Muscat – China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Indian Ocean nations, with Special Envoy Zhai Jun highlighting Oman's vital role in regional diplomacy at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference held in Muscat. On the sidelines of the event, Zhai met with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi to discuss enhancing bilateral ties. He highlighted the 47-year relationship between China and Oman, stressing Beijing's vision for a 'maritime community with a shared future.' He also emphasised China's role in ensuring maritime security, citing its naval escort missions in the Gulf of Aden since 2008. Additionally, he highlighted China's contributions to economic development, disaster relief, and climate action through the Belt and Road Initiative. Calling for deeper cultural ties, Zhai proposed greater intellectual cooperation through forums, think tanks, and training programmes. He reaffirmed China's commitment to making the Indian Ocean a hub of peace, cooperation, and prosperity.