16 October 2025
This edition of the Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor surveys China’s Mideast-facing diplomatic activity from 1 October to 15 October 2025.
Table of Contents
I. High-Level and Multilateral Diplomacy
- Foreign Minister’s Statement on First-Phase Gaza Agreement
- Regional “One-China Principle” Public Diplomacy Push
- Joint Condemnation of “Unilateral Coercive Measures” at UNGA
- Mid-Autumn Festivities Across the Mideast
II. Country-Specific Developments
- Perso-Arab Gulf
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
- Greater Levant
- Lebanon
- Palestine
- North and Northeast Africa
- Libya
- Morocco
This issue of the Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor has been prepared by Raphael Angieri and Omnia Musa.
I. HIGH-LEVEL & MULTILATERAL DIPLOMACY
On 10 October, at a joint press conference held in Bellinzona, Switzerland, Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) set out China’s position on the first-phase ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange agreement reached between Israel and Hamas. Wang Yi expressed China’s endorsement of efforts conducive to restoring peace and saving lives, calling the humanitarian disaster in Gaza “a stain on the 21st century” and declaring that “the conscience of humanity must be awakened.”
Wang outlined China’s three core positions on the issue: (1) The need for a genuine, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and restore regional stability; (2) The necessity of upholding the consensus on “Palestinians governing Palestine,” with any future arrangements for Gaza respecting the will of the Palestinian people; and (3) The imperative of maintaining the two-state solution, which China considers the only path to eliminating historical injustices and achieving long-term peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Wang emphasized China’s readiness to work with the broader international community to advance lasting peace and stability.
- One-China Public Diplomacy
Several Chinese ambassadors to Mideastern countries have published op-eds in local media outlets defending the “one-China principle” and responding to what they describe as Western distortions of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, which in 1971 established the People’s Republic of China as the representative of China at the United Nations, replacing the Taiwan-based Republic of China, which had until then occupied China’s seat in the international forum. These media interventions emphasize UNGA Resolution 2758’s legal and political authority establishing the PRC as the sole legitimate representative of China, warning that efforts to reinterpret that resolution or promote “Taiwan’s undetermined status” amount to historical revisionism and pose a threat to the post-WWII international order as a whole.
In La Presse, Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia Wan Li (万黎) emphasized Tunisia’s vote in favor of China’s UN seat in 1971 and President Kais Saied’s reaffirmation of the one-China policy during his 2024 state visit to Beijing, when the two sides announced the establishment of a strategic partnership. Writing for Al-Riyadh, Ambassador Chang Hua (常华) marked the 35th anniversary of China-Saudi diplomatic ties by highlighting Saudi Arabia’s alignment with the Chinese position since that time. Ambassador to Morocco Yu Jinsong (余劲松) published a sharply worded piece on Al Wataniya TV, condemning alleged Western attempts to revive “dual representation” as “absurd” and “dangerous,” and praising the historic role of King Hassan II in supporting the PRC’s bid for UN seat, alongside Morocco’s ongoing adherence to the one-China policy.
These statements have appeared in the context of a recent flare-up in tensions between China and the European Union over the interpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758.
Egypt, Iran, the State of Palestine, and Sudan were among 28 “like-minded” countries in whose name Ambassador Fu Cong (傅聪), Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, delivered a statement on 3 October at the UNGA condemning “unilateral coercive measures,” and notably “secondary sanctions and excessive compliance.” In his statement, Ambassador Fu framed such measures as violations of sovereignty and human rights.
- Mid-Autumn Festivities in the Mideast
Chinese embassies across the Mideast region held events held to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the PRC’s founding on 1 October 1949, as well as the Chinese folk holiday of Mid-Autumn Festival, which fell this year on 6 October. These events featured a mix of diplomatic outreach and engagement with Chinese expatriate communities, including cultural performances, receptions with local officials, and reaffirmations of bilateral ties and development achievements.
In Djibouti, the National Day Reception held on 30 September brought together over 300 guests including top Djiboutian officials, foreign diplomats, and Chinese residents, with Ambassador Hu Bin (胡斌) highlighting bilateral cooperation and Chinese global governance initiatives. In Saudi Arabia, at a Mid-Autumn Festival Reception on 3 October attended by more than 600 overseas Chinese students and company staff, Ambassador Chang Hua emphasized cultural exchange, 35 years of China-Saudi relations, and the Embassy’s service to the Chinese community. The Chinese Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, hosted a joint National Day and Mid-Autumn Reception on 11 October, where Ambassador Chen Chuandong (陈传东) addressed 150 attendees including peacekeepers and UN staff, calling on overseas Chinese to contribute to China-Lebanon ties and national rejuvenation. In Morocco, Ambassador Yu Jinsong delivered a keynote speech at a joint National Day and ambassadorial appointment reception in early October, welcoming senior Moroccan officials and praising milestones in China-Morocco strategic cooperation, multilateralism, and Chinese modernization.
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENTS
1. PERSO-ARAB GULF
IRAN
On 1 October, Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu to Iran (丛培武) attended the launch of a Global Development Initiative-branded project supporting health services for elderly and disabled Iranians. The project is to be financed via the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, an initiative associated with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). The launch event was reportedly attended by nearly 200 participants, including UN Resident Coordinator in Iran Stefan Priesner.
On 6 October in Tehran, Ambassador Cong met with Kazem Gharibabadi (کاظم غریبآبادی), Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for International and Legal Affairs, to discuss the nuclear issue and regional tensions, with Cong reaffirming China’s support for a political resolution and opposition to military pressure or sanctions.
- China Responds to US Sanctions on Firms Linked to Iranian Oil Trade
On 9 October 2025, the US State and Treasury Departments announced sanctions on around 100 individuals, entities, and vessels allegedly involved in facilitating Iran’s oil and petrochemical exports, including a number based in China, citing their role in generating illicit revenue for illegal and regionally destabilizing activities by Iran. The State Department emphasized its first-ever designation of a China-based terminal operator, Jiangyin Foreversun Chemical Logistics, while the Treasury laid out a targeted strategy against entities facilitating shipments of oil and liquefied petroleum gas through intermediary networks, particularly in China, the UAE, and Singapore.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆) stressed firm opposition to unilateral sanctions without UN Security Council authorization, calling such moves illegal and unjustified under international law. Guo defended normal cooperation with Iran as legitimate and signaled that China would take necessary steps to safeguard its energy security and protect the lawful rights of Chinese companies and citizens.
- China Opposes Strikes on Iran Nuclear Facilities, Affirms Role of International Atomic Energy Agency
In a wide-ranging interview with Austria’s SOCIETY magazine, Li Song (李松), China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Vienna, reaffirmed Beijing’s support for the IAEA’s role in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue and condemned US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. He emphasized China’s commitment to a political resolution and to upholding the global nonproliferation regime.
On 7 October, China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs Yue Xiaoyong (岳晓勇) attended the Seventh “Moscow Format” meeting on the Afghan issue, joining representatives from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. During the visit, Yue met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi (امیر خان متقی) and engaged with other stakeholders.
Yue reiterated China’s commitment to regional peace and stability, calling for an inclusive political solution to the Afghan issue. He also gave interviews to outlets including Sputnik, emphasizing cooperation under multilateral frameworks.
On 12 October, Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu met with Saeed Khatibzadeh (سعید خطیبزاده), Deputy Foreign Minister and head of the Iranian Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS). Ambassador Cong outlined the principles behind President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), emphasizing China’s willingness to deepen exchanges with Iran on governance and policy, and to jointly promote the stable and long-term development of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.
The next day, on 13 October, Ambassador Cong met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for West Asia and North Africa, Mehdi Shushtari (مهدی شوشتری), to exchange views on the regional situation. Cong outlined China’s three-point comment on the initial Gaza ceasefire agreement and emphasized Beijing’s commitment to working with the international community toward lasting peace; Shushtari reportedly welcomed China’s position and expressed Iran’s readiness to deepen coordination.
SAUDI ARABIA
- Chinese Envoy Talks Infrastructure and Legal Connectivity with Saudi Ministers
On 5 October, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua held back-to-back meetings in Riyadh with several Saudi ministers in support of bilateral engagement.
In talks with Transport and Logistics Services Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser (صالح بن ناصر الجاسر), Chang urged closer alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s flagship development initiative, Vision 2030, calling for expanded cooperation in infrastructure, logistics, and a more favorable business environment for Chinese firms. Saleh reportedly welcomed increased Chinese investment in the sector.
Later that same day, Ambassador Chang met with Justice Minister Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani (وليد بن محمد الصمعاني), with both sides affirming growing judicial cooperation. Chang stressed the need to safeguard the rights of Chinese citizens and institutions in the Kingdom, while Al-Samaani expressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in deepening legal exchanges and mutual learning, according to the Chinese readout.
- Chinese Envoy Highlights Investment and Esports Ties in Riyadh
On 13 October, Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua (常华) met with leading Saudi officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in emerging industries and strategic investment.
In talks with Yasir Al-Rumayyan (ياسر الرميان), President of the Public Investment Fund and Chairman of Saudi Aramco, Chang emphasized the momentum of the China-Saudi comprehensive strategic partnership and encouraged deeper collaboration in development and reform initiatives. Al-Rumayyan reiterated Saudi confidence in China’s growth trajectory and expressed readiness to expand cooperation across sectors.
That same day, Chang met with Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud (فيصل بن بندر آل سعود), President of the Saudi Esports Federation, along with Mike Milanov, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. Congratulating Saudi Arabia on the 2025 Esports World Cup held in-country, Chang expressed interest in deeper Chinese participation in the event and proposed closer industry ties.
On 1 October, Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua published a signed article in Saudi magazine Al Yamamah commemorating 76 years since the founding of the PRC and 35 years of China-Saudi diplomatic relations. Among other things, he emphasized the developmental alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, expressed strong opposition to Israeli military actions in Gaza and Doha, and called for deepened cooperation under China’s four global initiatives.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
On October 9, Ambassador Zhang Yiming (张益明) attended the first Career Development Forum for Chinese enterprises and students in the UAE, held at Khalifa University. The embassy-led initiative connected nearly 20 Chinese firms with around 300 Chinese and other students to boost employment opportunities and strengthen China-UAE cooperation through talent and educational exchange.
On 9 October, Chinese Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Zhang Yiming (张益明) joined a China-themed session of the 8th IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, speaking on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Xi Jinping’s “clear waters and green mountains” (绿水青山) or “two mountains” conceptualization of ecological protection and development. Zhang underscored China-UAE cooperation in green development and called for joint efforts to strengthen global ecological governance and promote harmony between humanity and nature.
YEMEN
On 4 October, Chinese Chargé d’Affaires to Yemen Shao Zheng (邵峥) addressed a virtual gathering of Yemenis studying in China, emphasizing the long-standing bilateral friendship and highlighting progress in political, trade, educational, and other forms of cooperation. He reiterated China’s position that the Yemeni conflict must be resolved through political means, not military force, and expressed hope for renewed peace talks under UN auspices.
- Engagement with UN on Yemen
On 8-9 October, the Riyadh-based Chargé d’Affaires engaged UN officials in two consecutive briefings, underscoring Beijing’s formal support for a UN-facilitated political resolution to the Yemen conflict and strengthening humanitarian efforts.
On 8 October, Shao joined a virtual situation update led by UN Resident Coordinator Julien Harneis, calling for the unconditional release of detained UN personnel and greater support for the UN’s role in Yemen. The following day in Riyadh, he attended a briefing by UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Ramesh Fletcher, stressing China’s commitment to peace and urging increased emergency aid.
- Chinese Envoy Stresses Political Resolution and Regional Stability in Riyadh Meetings with Yemeni and International Stakeholders
In a series of high-level meetings on 12-13 October in Riyadh, Chinese Chargé d’Affaires Shao reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to a political resolution of the Yemen conflict and to broader regional stability.
On 12 October, Shao met with Yemeni Deputy Foreign Minister Mansour Ali Saeed Bajash (منصور علي سعيد بجاش), emphasizing China’s readiness to contribute constructively to Yemen’s peace and reconstruction efforts and briefing him on Beijing’s Global Development and Global Governance Initiatives. In 13 October talks with Tareq Mohammed Abdullah Saleh (طارق محمد عبد الله صالح), Vice President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Shao reiterated China’s support for Yemen’s legitimate government and expressed hope for progress in the peace process, additionally outlining China’s positions on the Red Sea and Gaza.
Shao also met on 12 October with German Ambassador to Yemen Thomas Schneider regarding the Yemen file and other hotspots, calling for dialogue and coordination.
2. GREATER LEVANT
LEBANON
On 1 October, Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Chen Chuandong attended a medal ceremony honoring the 23rd Chinese peacekeeping contingent with the UN Peace Medal of Honor for service in southern Lebanon in support of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). UNIFIL Force Commander Major General Abagnara praised the unit’s contributions to demining, roadwork, and medical support, and a reception followed to mark China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Chinese Envoy Engages Lebanese Political Leaders on Bilateral Cooperation
Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Chen Chuandong held introductory meetings with two senior Lebanese officials to reaffirm China’s support for Lebanon’s stability and development. On 8 October, he met Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri (طارق متري) to discuss bilateral ties and China’s positions on regional and global issues, including the Global Governance Initiative. The following day, Chen met Fadi Alame (فادي علامة), Chair of the Lebanese Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, with both sides pledging to deepen inter-parliamentary exchanges and expand practical cooperation.
PALESTINE
In a 3 October address to the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Fu Cong laid out China’s human rights framework, structured around three organizing principles: sovereignty and non-interference, multilateral cooperation, and a “people-centered, action-oriented” approach. Fu called for equal respect for different development paths, rejected the so-called politicization of human rights, and emphasized dialogue over confrontation, while highlighting China’s domestic achievements in poverty eradication, minority rights, and “people’s democracy”, with particular focus on Tibet and Xinjiang. Ambassador Fu Cong’s speech also emphasized China’s commitment to women’s rights, sustainable development, and racial equality.
In a speech otherwise mute on specific geopolitical issues, Fu took the opportunity to explicitly stress China’s endorsement of and support for Palestinian self-determination as a component of its vision of international governance, saying:
“The right to self-determination is a solemn political right of all peoples to resist foreign aggression and interference and to safeguard sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. China supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights.”
In a 10 October statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on “Women, Peace and Security,” Fu Cong moreover framed Palestine as a women’s issue, saying:
“[W]e must strengthen efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts. Currently, more than 600 million women are suffering in war-torn regions. In Gaza, the ongoing conflict has left over a million Palestinian women and girls in a living hell, facing a humanitarian catastrophe that shocks the conscience.”
Palestine also figured into a 10 October statement by Sun Xiaobo (孙晓波), head of the Chinese delegation and director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Arms Control, at the general debate of the First Committee of the 80th UN General Assembly. In his opening remarks, Sun issued a strong appeal to “stop the war in Gaza as soon as possible, prevent a more serious humanitarian catastrophe, and support the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights,” before turning his attention to proposals regarding arms control and global governance.
On 13 October, China’s representative in Palestine, Zeng Jixin, attended the launch ceremony—held in al-Am’ari Refugee Camp near Ramallah—of a project to be jointly implemented by the Chinese government and UNRWA to provide insulin syringes to over 43,000 Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, with funding from China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund.
3. NORTH AND NORTHEAST AFRICA
LIBYA
- In Tripoli, Bilateral Discussion of China-Libya Economic Cooperation
On 14 October in Tripoli, Liu Jian, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Libya, met with Muhammad Ali al-Huwayj (محمد علي الحويج), Minister of Economy and Trade in the Government of National Unity. According to the Chinese readout, both sides reaffirmed the depth of China-Libya friendship and expressed readiness to deepen economic ties, with Libya welcoming increased Chinese investment.
MOROCCO
On 30 September, Ambassador Yu Jinsong (余劲松) presented her letter of credentials to Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita (ناصر بوريطة), noting that, “under the strategic guidance of President Xi and King Mohammed VI, the China-Morocco strategic partnership has reached its highest level in history,” and expressing readiness to work together to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen political trust, deepen practical cooperation, expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and “elevate bilateral relations to new heights.”
A week later, on 6 October, Ambassador Yu paid a Mid-Autumn Festival visit to the Chinese medical team stationed in Morocco, commending “the half-century of contributions made by over 2,000 doctors from Shanghai who have crossed mountains and seas to protect the health of the Moroccan people.”
In a 13 October exclusive interview with Moroccan magazine L’Economiste, Ambassador Yu Jingsong emphasized the strength and scope of China-Morocco relations since becoming “strategic partners” a decade ago, highlighting achievements in Belt and Road cooperation, trade, cultural exchanges, and mutual support. Yu underscored China’s commitment to supporting Moroccan exports, promoting local development through flagship projects like the Tangier Tech City, and deepening people-to-people ties, including through Confucius Institutes and medical aid.
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