Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor #7

January 2026

This edition of the Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor surveys China’s Mideast-facing diplomatic activity in January 2026, with a focus on the Gulf and Levant regions.

Table of Contents

I. High-Level and Multilateral Diplomacy

• Chinese Response to Iran-Venezuela and Iran Unrest
  • Perso-Arabian Gulf in Sovereignty Discourse, Critique of Unilateralism
  • Statements of Opposition to Intervention amid Iran Unrest
  • “Human Rights Development” as Internal Affair
• Regional Engagement by Middle East Special Envoy
  • Israel-Palestine Visit
  • Meetings with Turkish, Jordanian Envoys
• Statements on Syrian Kurdish and Uyghur Issues
• Mideast Diplomacy via Multilateral Platforms
  • Preparation for 2026 China-Arab States Summit
  • Ambassadorial Meeting of “Group of 77 and China”
  • Meeting with Organization of Islamic Cooperation Head
  • Response to Muslim-Country Participation in Gaza “Board of Peace”
• Four New Mideast Ambassadors Take up Beijing Post

II. Country-Specific Developments and Local Engagement

1. Perso-Arabian Gulf

• Iran
  • Consultation on Iranian Unrest
  • Consular Engagement in Iranian Port City
• Iraq
  • Exchanges at Parliamentary and UN Levels
  • Local Engagement in Kurdish Region
• Kuwait
  • New Chinese Ambassador in Kuwait
  • Initial Ambassadorial Engagement
• Saudi Arabia
  • Cooperation in Health and Humanitarian Sectors
• United Arab Emirates
  • Departure of Ambassador Zhang Yiming
• Yemen
  • Chinese Response to Saudi-UAE Tensions over Southern Yemen
  • Engagement with Yemeni Stakeholders in Riyadh

2. Levant

• Jordan
  • Early-Tenure Ambassadorial Courtesy Calls
• Lebanon
  • Ambassadorial Outreach to Economic and Legislative Institutions
• Palestine
  • Seminar on Belt and Road Initiative
  • Departure of Senior Chinese Diplomat

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I. HIGH-LEVEL & MULTILATERAL DIPLOMACY

Chinese Response to Iran-Venezuela and Iran Unrest

• Perso-Arabian Gulf in Sovereignty Discourse, Critique of Unilateralism

Both Iran and Iraq figured in a statement by the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Sun Lei (孙磊), at the UN Security Council Emergency Open Meeting on the Situation in Venezuela on 5 January. Sun cited the U.S. bypassing of the UN Security Council in 2003 to invade Iraq and the more recent June 2025 aerial assault on Iranian nuclear facilities within a broader critique of unilateral military action by Washington, arguing such precedents have caused lasting regional instability and humanitarian suffering. 

At a 7 January press briefing, in response to a question on reports that U.S. President Trump had demanded Venezuela sever economic ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, Chinese MFA spokesperson Mao Ning (毛宁) condemned infringement on Venezuela’s sovereignty and insisted “the lawful rights and interests of China and other countries in Venezuela must be protected.”

• Statements of Opposition to Intervention amid Iran Unrest

At a 12 January press briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning commented on protests in Iran, expressing hope that the Iranian government and people could “overcome current difficulties and maintain stability,” while reiterating China’s opposition to foreign interference and the use or threat of force. Asked about U.S. President Trump’s warning of possible military intervention, Mao emphasized that all countries’ sovereignty and security should be protected under international law, and called on all parties to act in ways conducive to regional peace.

Three days later, on 15 January, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi (عباس عراقجي), who reportedly asserted that Iran’s unrest had been incited by external forces but stability now restored. According to the Chinese readout, Araghchi said Tehran remained open to dialogue while also prepared to resist foreign interference; Wang reiterated China’s opposition to the use or threat of force in international affairs, expressing confidence in Iran’s ability to maintain stability and pledging China’s readiness to play a constructive role in promoting regional peace.

• “Human Rights Development” as Internal Affair

At the UN Security Council Emergency Open Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East held on 15 January, Chinese Ambassador Sun Lei reiterated condemnation of “threats of force” by the U.S. and warned that “any military adventurism would only push the region into an unpredictable abyss,” emphasizing that Iran’s internal affairs should be decided by its own people and calling on the international community to support Iran in maintaining national security and social stability. Sun urged all parties to “abandon the obsession with military force” and contribute constructively to regional peace.

At a 23 January special session of the UN Human Rights Council, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Geneva, Jia Guide (贾桂德), asserted that recent events were Iran’s internal affair and ought to be resolved by its people. He further stated that “all countries have the right to choose their own paths to human rights development, and China firmly opposes using human rights as a pretext to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, the imposition of country-specific mechanisms without the concerned state’s consent, and double standards on human rights issues.”

Regional Engagement by Middle East Special Envoy

• Israel-Palestine Visit

Chinese Special Envoy on Middle East Affairs Zhai Jun (翟隽) was on visit to Israel from 6 to 8 January, meeting with senior officials including Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar (גדעון סער), Political Director of the MFA Yosef Amrani (יוסף עמרני), and Deputy National Security Advisor for Foreign Policy Joseph Draznin (יוסף דרזנין). Zhai emphasized the tradition of friendship between China and the Jewish people and China’s willingness to work with Israel to maintain mutually beneficial cooperation.

In the midst of this visit, on 7 January, Zhai Jun met in Ramallah with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (محمود عباس) and Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian (فارسين أغابكيان). Zhai stated that “China will stand with all peace-loving and justice-supporting forces in the world, and will continue to firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people, actively working toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question based on the two-state formula.”

• Meetings with Turkish, Jordanian Envoys

In late January, Zhai Jun also held meetings in Beijing with Turkish Ambassador to China Selçuk Ünal and Jordanian Ambassador to China Hussam Al Husseini (حسام الحسيني), at the request of the Turkish and Jordanian sides, respectively. Zhai met with Ünal on 21 January and with Husseini on 29 January; both meetings focused on “regional hotspot issues.”

Statements on Syrian Kurdish and Uyghur Issues

In response to questions from Iraqi Kurdish outlet Rudaw regarding Syrian military actions in Kurdish areas, Chinese MFA spokesperson Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆) declined to criticize Damascus, instead reiterating China’s position in favor of peace, stability, and political reconciliation in Syria. Across press briefings on 20 and 27 January, Guo emphasized that all Syrian parties should pursue dialogue and find a reconstruction path aligned with the interests of the Syrian people.

Responding in a press briefing on 22 January to a question from Rudaw about a statement from Director of American Affairs at the Syrian foreign ministry Qutaiba Idlbi that China had not formally requested the return of Uyghur “jihadists” but that Syria would respond accordingly if such a request were made, Chinese MFA spokesperson Guo Jiakun restated China’s position that the East Turkestan Islamic Movement is a UN-designated terrorist organization legally designated by China and listed by the UN Security Council. He did not indicate any dissatisfaction with Syria’s current handling of the issue or signal whether a formal request had been or would be made, but rather noted Syria’s commitment not to allow its territory to be used for activities harmful to China’s security, sovereignty, or interests.

Mideast Diplomacy via Multilateral Platforms

• Preparation for 2026 China-Arab States Summit

On 13 January, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu (苗得雨) met in Beijing with a delegation of Arab League permanent representatives and Secretariat officials in preparation for the second China-Arab States Summit, which is to be held mid-2026 in China. Miao emphasized that China-Arab relations are at a historic high, reaffirmed China’s support for Arab countries in resisting external interference and pursuing independent development, and called for deepening strategic trust and coordination under the banner of a shared future. Iraqi Ambassador Qahtan Taha Khalaf (قحطان طه خلف) and Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Manzalawi (خالد منزلاوي) reportedly expressed support for the One China principle on behalf of the Arab side, welcomed China’s global initiatives, and praised both its development achievements and “consistent backing of the righteous Palestinian and Arab cause.”

• Ambassadorial Meeting of “Group of 77 and China”

At a 15 January ambassadorial meeting of the “Group of 77 (G77) and China,” Chinese Ambassador Sun Lei praised Iraq’s 2025 chairmanship and welcomed Uruguay as 2026 chair, pledging China’s full support and affirming its alignment with the Global South. He called for stronger developing-country coordination to defend multilateralism, place development at the center of the UN agenda, advance global financial governance reform, and oppose trade protectionism while promoting inclusive globalization. The G77, established in 1964 by seventy-seven developing countries amid the inaugural session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is a coalition now comprising 134 countries—including seventeen from the Mideast—that seeks to advance the collective economic interests and negotiating power of the Global South.

• Meeting with Organization of Islamic Cooperation Head

On 19 January, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Chang Hua (常华) met in Jeddah with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (حسين إبراهيم طه), emphasizing deepening trust, expanding cooperation, and enhanced civilizational exchange between China and Islamic countries. Chang welcomed the repeated inclusion in OIC resolutions of “China-friendly language,” while Taha expressed strong interest in strengthening ties and coordination on regional and international issues.

• Response to Muslim-Country Participation in Gaza “Board of Peace”

At a 23 January press briefing, Chinese MFA spokesperson Guo Jiakun declined to comment either on the potential of the U.S.-initiated “Board of Peace” to stabilize Gaza or on the endorsement by eight Muslim-majority countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, the UAE, Egypt, and Pakistan. Asked by Indonesia’s Antara News whether China believed the committee could help maintain peace, Guo responded only that the matter had already been addressed and offered “no further comment.” Guo previously confirmed, at a 20 January briefing, that China had received an invitation from the U.S. to join the committee, but there has been no public indication of whether the country supports the initiative or intends to participate.

Four New Mideast Ambassadors Take up Beijing Post

On 16 January, Chinese President Xi Jinping accepted the credentials of eighteen new ambassadors, including four from the Mideast: Selçuk Ünal of Türkiye, Ahmad T. A. Berwari (أحمد تحسين أحمد برواري) of Iraq, Jawad Awad (جواد عواد) of Palestine, and Milad Raad (ميلاد رعد) of Lebanon. In remarks to the assembled diplomats, Xi urged them to explore China more broadly and gain a fuller understanding of its development and society, in order to foster deeper bilateral ties. He highlighted China’s drive toward Chinese-style modernization, the successful conclusion of its 14th Five-Year Plan, and the launch of the 15th Plan as a “list of opportunities” for the world, reaffirming Beijing’s stance in favor of open cooperation and a more equitable system of global governance.

II. COUNTRY-SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENTS AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENT

1. PERSO-ARABIAN GULF

IRAN

• Consultation on Iranian Unrest

On 18 January, Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu (丛培武) met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi (‌مجید تخت‌روانچی) to “exchange views on the current situation.” Cong affirmed China’s opposition to the use or threat of force in international affairs, while Takht-Ravanchi reportedly welcomed China’s role in promoting regional stability.

• Consular Engagement in Iranian Port City

Also in January, Xu Wei (徐炜), China’s Consul General in Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city and key hub for Iran’s maritime trade and Persian Gulf engagement, held two meetings focused on strengthening China-Iran cooperation at the local level. On 5 January, Xu met with IRIB Persian Gulf Center Director General Mohsen Raisi (محسن رئیسی) to discuss expanded media cooperation, including on China’s development achievements and Iran’s support for the Global Governance Initiative introduced by Xi Jinping in September 2025. On 28 January, on the sidelines of the Bandar Abbas Maritime Industry Expo, Xu met with Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh (وحید جلال‌زاده); both sides emphasized boosting local economic cooperation, and Jalalzadeh reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to protecting Chinese personnel and advancing bilateral ties.

IRAQ

• Exchanges at Parliamentary and UN Levels

On 13 January, Chinese Ambassador to Iraq Cui Wei (崔巍) met with newly elected Speaker of Iraq’s Council of Representatives Haibat al-Halbousi (هيبت الحلبوسي) to convey congratulations from China’s top legislator Zhao Leji (赵乐际) and express support for stronger inter-parliamentary ties. Speaker Halbousi welcomed closer cooperation and voiced interest in drawing on China’s governance experience.

On 16 January, Permanent Representative of China to the UN Office at Geneva Jia Guide (贾桂德) met with Iraq’s newly appointed Permanent Representative Saywan Barzani (سيوان بارزاني) to discuss bi- and multilateral cooperation. Jia evoked Iraq’s early ties with the People’s Republic of China and support for multilateralism, while Barzani is reported to have praised China’s growing international role and affirmed Iraq’s interest in deepening coordination.

• Local Engagement in Kurdish Region

On 12 January 2026, Consul General Liu Jun (刘军) visited the Sulaymaniyah offices of Huawei Iraq and several Chinese infrastructure projects managed by Sinoma and Hainan Jiangyan, delivering holiday gifts and inspecting safety protocols while urging strong alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The next day, on 13 January, Consul Liu met with Zagros Rashid (زاگرۆس ڕەشید), CEO of Kurdish media outlet Kurdsat, encouraging deeper media cooperation and objective coverage of China. Also on 13 January, Liu visited Tishk University’s Sulaymaniyah campus, meeting with President Khidir Masum Hawrami (خضر معصوم هورامي) as well as faculty members who had attended PRC-sponsored training programs, and called for the further application of Chinese development experience within pedagogy.

KUWAIT

• New Chinese Ambassador in Kuwait

On 7 January, newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Yang Xin (杨欣) presented a copy of his credentials to Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya (عبدالله علي اليحیى), conveying greetings from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation. His Excellency Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to the One China principle and expressed support for stronger ties under the strategic guidance of both countries’ leaders. Yahya has since been replaced as Foreign Minister of Kuwait by Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (الشيخ جراح جابر الأحمد الصباح).

• Initial Ambassadorial Engagement

Also on 7 January, Ambassador Yang Xin met with Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat (سميح عيسى جوهر حيات), Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, to co-chair a meeting on implementing agreements signed by Xi Jinping and then-Crown Prince, now Emir of Kuwait Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (مشعل الأحمد الجابر الصباح), reaffirming both sides’ commitment to deepening strategic cooperation. Yang also paid a courtesy visit to Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah (الشيخ الدكتور إبراهيم الدعيج الصباح), Deputy Chairman of the Ruling Family Council, where both sides emphasized the value of historical bilateral ties and expressed intent to expand friendly engagement.

Ambassador Yang Xin has also held publicized meetings with Chinese missions and members of the diaspora in Kuwait, notably visiting the 25th Chinese medical aid team dispatched to Kuwait and moreover chairing the 2025 Annual Conference of Chinese Enterprises in Kuwait. During his visit to the Chinese team at Kuwait’s Chest Diseases Hospital, Yang praised their professionalism and commitment, encouraging them to serve as a bridge of friendship between the two nations. At the meeting of Chinese enterprises operating locally, Yang emphasized the importance of legal compliance, sustainable development, and cooperation with Kuwaiti partners under the Belt and Road framework.

SAUDI ARABIA

• Cooperation in Health and Humanitarian Sectors

In early January, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua (常华) held high-level meetings with Saudi officials to deepen bilateral cooperation.

In a courtesy call on Saudi Health Minister Fahad bin Abdul-Rahman Al-Jalajel (فهد بن عبدالرحمن الجلاجل), the two sides reviewed progress in health collaboration and discussed expanding exchanges in pharmaceuticals, science, and talent development. In a separate meeting with Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah (عبد الله بن عبد العزيز الربيعة), General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), Chang outlined China’s aid initiatives for Palestine and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for a political solution grounded in the two-state framework. Dr. Al Rabeeah reportedly welcomed China’s stance and expressed readiness to strengthen practical cooperation on humanitarian relief. This follows President Xi Jinping’s announcement in December 2025 that China will provide USD 100 million in assistance to Palestine to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and support its recovery and reconstruction.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

• Departure of Ambassador Zhang Yiming

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yiming (张益明) has been winding down his nearly four-year posting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a series of farewell engagements with senior Emirati officials, where he has expressed appreciation for their support and desire for continued bilateral goodwill.

On 16 January, Zhang met with Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi (سعود بن صقر القاسمي), Member of the UAE Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah; Al Qasimi reportedly praised Zhang’s bridge-building role in strengthening ties with the emirate and expressed commitment to deepening cooperation with China under the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. On 20 January, Zhang met with President of the Federal National Council Saqr Ghobash (صقر غباش), who commended China’s development achievements and affirmed the Council’s readiness to enhance inter-parliamentary exchanges and align national initiatives such as the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” Vision with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

On 30 January, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (محمد بن زايد آل نهيان), President of the UAE, conferred the First‑Class Order of Zayed II on Ambassador Zhang Yiming in recognition of his efforts to deepen the strategic partnership between China and the UAE. The honor was presented to Zhang by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (عبدالله بن زايد آل نهيان), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, at a meeting in Abu Dhabi.

YEMEN

• Chinese Response to Saudi-UAE Tensions over Southern Yemen

In response to Saudi-UAE tensions which surfaced in late 2025 over conflicting visions for southern Yemen—with the Saudi side backing the unity-oriented Yemeni Political Leadership Council (PLC) based in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi initially aligned with the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC)—China issued a carefully balanced statement endorsing Saudi efforts at dialogue and reaffirming support for Yemeni sovereignty and territorial integrity, with spokesperson Lin Jian commenting in a 5 January press briefing: 

“The international community broadly recognizes the legitimate government of Yemen. China consistently supports the preservation of Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, welcomes the planned dialogue among southern Yemeni factions in Riyadh, and calls on all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, resolve differences and disputes through political dialogue, and work to create conditions for an early restoration of peace and stability in Yemen.”

• Engagement with Yemeni Stakeholders in Riyadh

On the ground, China’s Chargé d’Affaires to Yemen, Shao Zheng (邵峥), has been visibly active, meeting with stakeholders including Yemeni political leadership, members of the military establishment, regional and extra-regional actors, as well as representatives of the academic and cultural spheres.

Yemeni political figures with whom Shao met in January include: Saleh Bin Mahfouz (صالح بن محفوظ), Assistant to the Minister of Oil and Minerals on 5 January; Ali Al-Bakali (علي البكالي), President of the Yemen Renaissance Movement, on 6 January; Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, former Prime Minister of Yemen (معين عبدالملك سعيد) on 7 January; Tariq Mohammed Abdullah Saleh (طارق محمد عبد الله صالح), Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), on 12 January; Mansour Ali Saeed Bajash (الدكتور منصور علي سعيد بجاش), Deputy Foreign Minister, on 13 January; Abdullah Mohammed Abul-Ghaith (الدكتور عبدالله محمد أبو الغيث), Deputy Chairman of the Yemen Shura Council on 22 January; and Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi (الدكتور رشاد محمد العليمي), Chairman of the PLC, the latter within a situational briefing held on 23 January.

Shao Zheng’s engagement with the Yemeni military establishment included publicized January meetings with Ali Al-Dahab (علي الذهب), Head of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Supreme Council of the Popular Resistance (SCPR), on 15 January; and Lieutenant General Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz (صغير حمود أحمد عزيز), Chief of the General Staff of the Yemeni Armed Forces and Commander of Joint Operations, on 26 January.

Shao also exchanged with members of the international diplomatic corps based in Riyadh, liaising with Simone Petroni, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Yemen, on 12 January; Evgeny Kudrov (Евгений Кудров), Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Federation to Yemen, on 21 January; and Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Jaber (محمد بن سعيد آل جابر), Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Yemen and Supervisor of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), on 22 January.

From the research and cultural spheres, Shao met with Mahmoud Shehrah (محمود شحرة), an Associate Fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme of Chatham House, on 11 January; Muammar Al-Eryani (معمر الإرياني), the Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, during the launch ceremony for the documentary Discover Yemen on 18 January; and Salah El-Din Zaki Khaled (صلاح الدين زكي خالد), UNESCO Representative to the Gulf States and Yemen, on 27 January.

2. LEVANT

JORDAN

• Early-Tenure Ambassadorial Courtesy Calls

The recently installed Ambassador of China to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Guo Wei (郭伟), who presented his credentials to the Jordanian MFA in November 2025, has held a dense schedule of engagements with local stakeholders as he settles into his role.

Political and institutional figures with whom Ambassador Guo held publicized meetings in January include: Mustafa Rawashdeh (مصطفى الرواشدة), Minister of Culture, on 6 January; Faisal Al-Fayez (فيصل الفايز), President of the Jordanian Senate, on 11 January; Awn Al-Khasawneh (عون الخصاونة), former Prime Minister, on 13 January; Adnan Badran (عدنان بدران), former Prime Minister, on 19 January; Abdulhakim Shibli (عبد الحكيم الشبلي), Minister of Finance, on 26 January; Wissam Rabadi (وسام الربضي), former Minister of Planning, on 26 January; and Mazen Al-Qadi (مازن القاضي), Speaker of the House of Representatives, on 27 January.

Guo Wei also met with figures from the Jordanian media, cultural, and academic domains, including: Fayrouz Mubaydeen (فيروز مبيضين), Director General of the Jordan News Agency (Petra), on 4 January; Jabr Abu Fares (جبر أبو فارس), President of the Jordanian Publishers Association, on 7 January; Abdullah Al Jarrah (عبد الله الجراح), President of Philadelphia University, during a celebration of Chinese language instruction held on 12 January; Fathi Al-Jaghbir (فتحي الجغبير), President of the Jordanian Chamber of Industry, on 13 January; Jamal Dmour (جمال الضمور), President of the Jordan-China Friendship Association, on 20 January; and Mohammad Daoudia (محمد داودية), President of the Jordanian National Democratic Dialogue Association, on 22 January.

Ambassador Guo liaised with Maria Stavropoulou, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan, on 18 January; and Olaf Becker, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Jordan, on 28 January, to mark an initiative to provide insulin syringes to Palestinian refugees in the Al-Baqaa camp.

LEBANON

• Ambassadorial Outreach via Economic and Legislative Institutions

Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Chen Chuandong (陈传东) met in January with officials from a range of administrative, economic, and legislative bodies: Charles Arbid (شارل عربيد), President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, on 8 January; Fadi Makki (فادي مكي), Minister of State for Administrative Development, on 12 January; Elias Bou Saab (إلياس بو صعب), Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, on 21 January; Farid Boustany (فريد البستاني), Chairman of the Parliamentary National Economy, Trade, Industry and Planning Committee, on 21 January; and Mohammad Haidar (محمد حيدر), Minister of Labor, on 23 January.

PALESTINE

• Seminar on Belt and Road Initiative

On 14 January, Zeng Jixin (曾继新), Head of the Office of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Palestine, attended a Belt and Road seminar organized by the Palestinian-Chinese Friendship Association and chaired by the organization’s director, Adnan Samara (عدنان سمارة). Zeng praised the Association’s role in strengthening ties and reiterated China’s support for Palestinian development and national rights. Samara and other speakers reportedly voiced strong support for the Belt and Road Initiative and called for deeper bilateral cooperation.

• Departure of Senior Chinese Diplomat

Head of Office Zeng Jixin will be departing shortly from his post. On 17 January, he paid a farewell visit to President Abbas, conveying Xi Jinping’s greetings and reaffirming China’s backing for the two-state solution. President Mahmoud Abbas awarded Zeng the Friendship Star medal of the Order of President Mahmoud Abbas, in recognition of strengthening relations of friendship and cooperation. On 26 January, a reception was held to mark Zeng’s departure. In his remarks before the assembled guests, Zeng reflected on nearly three years in post, praised the growth of China-Palestine relations in that time, and expressed lasting solidarity with the Palestinian cause, highlighting the 2024 Beijing Declaration as a milestone toward national reconciliation.

Attendees reportedly included Azzam al-Ahmad (عزام الأحمد), Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee; Majdi Khalidi (مجدي الخالدي), Senior Diplomatic Advisor to the Palestinian President; leaders from nine Palestinian political factions based in the West Bank; Palestinian government ministers; heads of security forces; “friendly individuals”; foreign diplomats stationed in Palestine; and members of the Chinese diaspora.