China’s Xi Jinping Calls for New Middle East Security System, Urges Regional Self-Reliance

CAIRO:Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Middle Eastern countries to establish a new security system for the region, reject external interference and take control of decisions concerning their own future.

According to Chinese state media, Xi Jinping made the remarks during high-level talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo.

During the meeting, the Chinese president called for opposition to bullying, bias and the use of force in the Middle East. He stressed the need to seek a comprehensive solution for shared security across the region.

### Palestinian Issue Must Not Be Ignored

Xi Jinping said the Palestinian issue remains at the core of the conflicts in the Middle East and must not be ignored or pushed aside.

He also expressed support for an effective role for the United Nations and called on external powers to abandon double standards in dealing with Middle Eastern affairs and ensure the consistent application of international law and principles.

The Chinese president said the people of the region should take ownership of their own affairs, while Middle Eastern countries should establish good-neighborly relations and develop a new regional security architecture.

### Xi Presents Four-Point Proposal

Xi Jinping also put forward a four-point proposal for establishing a new security framework in the Middle East.

He called on regional countries to make use of their own internal security mechanisms, adopt coordinated and comprehensive approaches to security challenges, strengthen the economic and developmental foundations of regional stability, and enhance international communication and cooperation.

### Strait of Hormuz and Global Trade

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East and the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, Xi also highlighted the importance of securing international maritime routes.

He said China was ready to work with countries in the region to help ensure the safety of international shipping routes.

The ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have emerged as a major concern for global energy markets and oil supplies, while shipping through the strategic waterway has also been affected by US-Iran tensions.

### China-Egypt Relations Set for Further Progress

Xi Jinping’s current visit to Egypt marks his first trip to the country in a decade. A key objective of the visit is to further expand economic, diplomatic and defense cooperation between China and Egypt.

The two countries have strengthened cooperation in recent years in areas including infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, transportation and technology.

Egypt holds major strategic importance because of its location along key global trade routes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

China and Egypt established diplomatic relations in 1956, and the two countries have maintained ties for seven decades. In 2014, their relationship was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.