On March 28, 2026, H.E. Ou Boqian, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Dubai and Northern Emirates, published a byline article titled "In the Name of Peace, Jointly Safeguarding Tranquility in the Middle East" in the UAE-based Khaleej Times. The full text is as follows:
In the Name of Peace, Jointly Safeguarding Tranquility in the Middle East
H.E. Ou Boqian, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Dubai and Northern Emirates
Recently, tensions in the Middle East have escalated suddenly, with the spillover of conflict impacting the Gulf region and the entire world. In the face of a conflict that should not have happened and serves no one’s interests, China stands on the side of peace, justice, and the people of regional countries from the very beginning. China has been tirelessly working to promote a ceasefire, de-escalate tensions, and advocate for peace in the Middle East.
China’s position on the current situation is consistent, clear, and unequivocal. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi systematically outlined five principles regarding the Iranian situation during a press conference on the margins of this year’s two sessions: respecting national sovereignty, rejecting the abuse of force, noninterference in internal affairs, promoting political settlement of hotspot issues, and major countries should play a constructive role and use their strengths in goodwill. These principles are not only a reflection of China’s diplomatic philosophy but also the fundamental guidelines for China’s approach to hotspot issues in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all Gulf countries must be respected and should not be violated. Might does not make right, and the world must not return to the law of the jungle. Middle Eastern affairs should be determined by the people of the region. All sides should return to the negotiating table as quickly as possible and realize common security through equal dialogue.
Since the escalation of the conflict, China has been actively mediating to promote a ceasefire. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held intensive phone calls with his counterparts from several Middle Eastern countries, clearly stating that the spillover of the conflict serves no one’s interests. The red line of protecting civilians must not be crossed. Non-military targets such as energy facilities, economic infrastructure, and civilian livelihoods should not be attacked. The safety of shipping lanes must also be upheld. This reflects China’s commitment to international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, while also addressing the most immediate and pressing security concerns of Gulf countries. The Chinese government’s special envoy on Middle East issues, Zhai Jun, has visited the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries to facilitate de-escalation and promote peace talks. Recently, Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi respectively met with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, the UAE President’s Special Envoy to China, in Beijing. Both reiterated China’s willingness to contribute to the early restoration of peace and tranquility in the Gulf region.
The Middle East should not be an arena for major power rivalry, but a stage for international cooperation. Gulf countries should not be at the forefront of risk spillover, but rather be at the forefront of peace, development, and mutual benefit. China has always upheld a just stance and pursued win-win cooperation. On one hand, China consistently advocates for peace and dialogue, rather than fanning the flames. Some forces rely on military power, cling to zero-sum games, and create confrontations. However, military means cannot resolve complex security dilemmas; they only breed new hatred and greater uncertainty. On the other hand, China always stands on the side of development and cooperation, firmly safeguarding the stability of the international energy market, the smooth flow of supply chains, and the common development of the Global South. China opposes the instrumentalization, weaponization, and politicization of economic and livelihood issues.
Today, the Middle East stands once again at a crossroads between peace and conflict. History has taught us that there are no winners in war. As long as the conflict persists, China will continue mediation efforts. China is ready to work with the UAE and other countries in the region to continue practicing true multilateralism, advocating for a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security vision, and promoting an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation and spillover. We aim to safeguard peace and stability in the Gulf, protect the safety of international shipping lanes, and uphold the global economic order. We believe that while peace may not come easily, as long as all parties do not give up hope and continue their efforts, peace will ultimately prevail over war, reason over impulse, and cooperation over confrontation. Let us join hands together to implement the Global Security Initiative, restore order to the Middle East, bring tranquility to the people, and return peace to the world.