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US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Middle Eastern countries to resist “external interference” as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues to affect regional security and global shipping.
Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday. The visit is significant as it is Xi’s first trip to Egypt in a decade and comes at a time of growing tensions across the Middle East.
Xi Calls For Regional Control Over Middle East Affairs
During his meeting with Sisi, Xi said Middle Eastern countries should have a greater role in deciding their own security and political future.
According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, Xi called for the region’s people to remain “masters of their own affairs”. He also urged countries to oppose outside interference and strengthen dialogue on peace and security.
The comments come as military tensions between Washington and Tehran have again raised concerns about the wider stability of the region.
China Offers Help To Protect Maritime Shipping
Xi also said China was ready to work with countries in the region to safeguard maritime shipping.
The issue has become increasingly important as fighting involving the US and Iran has disrupted shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors, has been at the centre of the crisis.
Recent attacks and threats involving commercial vessels have increased concerns about the safety of ships moving through the region. Oil prices have also come under pressure as traders assess the risk to global energy supplies.
Why Egypt Is Important For China
Xi’s visit to Egypt carries both diplomatic and economic importance.
Egypt controls access to the Suez Canal, a key route connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. Any prolonged disruption to major Middle Eastern shipping routes could affect global trade.
China has also expanded its economic presence in Egypt. Beijing has invested heavily in infrastructure and industrial projects, including activity around the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
For China, maintaining stable trade routes is especially important because the country is deeply connected to Middle Eastern energy and international shipping.
China Seeks Bigger Role In Middle East
Xi’s comments also highlight China’s growing diplomatic ambitions in the Middle East.
Beijing has increasingly presented itself as a supporter of dialogue and regional stability. China helped broker the restoration of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023 and has continued to push for negotiations during regional conflicts.
The latest visit to Egypt gives Beijing another opportunity to strengthen relations with an important Arab country while the United States remains heavily involved in the conflict with Iran.
US-Iran War Raises Shipping Concerns
The renewed US-Iran confrontation has created fresh concerns for international shipping.
Recent reports indicate attacks involving vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is critical to global energy markets, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for governments and businesses worldwide.
The crisis has also affected countries that are not directly involved in the fighting. Gulf states have reported attacks and security threats as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to spread across the region.
Xi And Sisi Discuss Wider Regional Crisis
The meeting between Xi and Sisi comes as Egypt attempts to maintain its strategic relationships with both China and the United States.
Egypt remains an important US partner, but Cairo has also strengthened its economic and diplomatic relationship with Beijing. The two countries are expected to expand cooperation in areas including investment, technology, infrastructure and security.
The regional conflict has made Egypt’s position even more important because of its location and its role in international trade.
What Happens Next?
Xi’s call for regional countries to oppose external interference is likely to add to the wider diplomatic debate over the future of the Middle East.
For China, the immediate priority is stability. A prolonged conflict could threaten shipping, energy supplies and trade routes that are important to the Chinese economy.
For Middle Eastern countries, the challenge is to protect their security while avoiding a wider regional war.
With fighting between the US and Iran continuing and tensions around maritime routes rising, international pressure for dialogue and de-escalation is expected to remain high.
