Chinese Special Envoy for Middle East Issues Zhai Jun Meets with Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf

On March 8, 2026, China’s Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Zhai Jun, met with the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, in Riyadh. Al Zayani stated that the escalating tensions in the Gulf region seriously threaten global security and stability, which is in the interest of no party. The GCC highly appreciates China’s active efforts to promote peace and stop the fighting and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly promote a de-escalation of the situation. Zhai Jun said that the current regional situation is highly complex and sensitive. China urges all parties to immediately cease fire and fighting, prevent further escalation of tensions, and return to the negotiation track as soon as possible. China appreciates that the GCC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways to overcome the current crisis and maintain regional stability. China will further play a constructive role and, together with the GCC and Gulf countries, actively promote peace and stop the fighting to help de-escalate the tensions. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)