Xi Jinping proposes 4-point plan for West Asia peace

Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday suggested a four-point proposal to promote peace in the Middle East. The announcement follows the breakdown of US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan.

Speaking with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Xi proposed a security architecture based on peaceful coexistence and respect for national sovereignty. He stated that global stability requires upholding the international system with the UN at its core and urged nations to integrate development with security.

Separately, China condemned the US blockade of Iranian ports as "dangerous and irresponsible" behaviour. While US President Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Chinese goods for allegedly providing military aid to Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun dismissed the reports as fabricated. Iran has responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz to all but friendly vessels. Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing next month for talks.

Lavrov on 2-day China visit 

Beijing: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in China on Tuesday for a two-day official visit to discuss the bilateral cooperation across key sectors, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

Earlier on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that during his visit to China from April 14-15, the Foreign Minister will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.