King Abdullah and President Xi Jinping Urge End to Root Causes of US-Iran Conflict During Beijing Summit

Jordan and China have called for a negotiated resolution to the US-Iran war that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict, following a meeting between King Abdullah and President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday.

During their discussions on Middle East affairs, the leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing that "normal navigation" must be restored to the Strait of Hormuz. They also advocated for a "comprehensive solution" to replace the current US-Iran ceasefire. Furthermore, they criticized Israel for instigating a "dangerous escalation" in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem amid rising incidents of settler violence. Mr Xi stated that the Palestinian issue "is the core of the Middle East issue".

King Abdullah's meeting with Mr Xi marked the conclusion of a week-long visit to China aimed at exploring economic partnerships for Jordan in sectors such as farming, medicine, and engineering. Several agreements were finalized, which King Abdullah described as evidence of a "shared determination to continue building on their strong ties." The two heads of state also addressed the situations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Iran.

"The ceasefire between the US and Iran should be maintained, and a comprehensive solution capable of eliminating the root causes of tensions should be reached through dialogue and negotiation," the joint statement declared. Both nations expressed "deep concern at Israel’s dangerous escalation of the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including the increasing frequency of settler violence, land confiscation, and the construction and expansion of settlements."

The high-level talks followed a welcoming ceremony in Beijing. China has increasingly positioned itself as a diplomatic mediator in the Iran conflict. In March, China and Pakistan introduced a five-point proposal advocating for safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz and a halt to attacks on power plants. Meanwhile, a new set of US sanctions against Iran announced on Monday could escalate pressure on China, which recorded $9.96 billion in bilateral trade with Iran last year, though actual figures are likely higher due to unreported Iranian crude oil exports. Additionally, China remains Jordan's largest import partner, accounting for a fifth of its total imports, though shipping disruptions between the Middle East and Asia have sharply driven up costs.