Promoting common security: The Middle East’s aspiration, China’s endeavor

China is presenting a four-point plan for common security in the Middle East after President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Egypt, which the Chinese ambassador to Kuwait describes as an important diplomatic mission.

The proposal calls for the region’s countries to strengthen dialogue on peace and security and to play the leading role in managing their own affairs. It also urges comprehensive solutions to the region’s interconnected flashpoints, rather than treating them separately.

Xi’s plan places development at the foundation of lasting stability and calls for greater international coordination. The United Nations Charter and international law, the proposal says, should guide the handling of Middle East affairs, while the United Nations should play a tangible role in the region.

The ambassador argues that the proposals put the interests of the region’s people at the center, balance security with development and recognize the legitimate security concerns of all countries. He presents them as a Chinese route toward resolving the region’s security predicament.

As hostilities continue, China says it has worked for an end to the fighting and for peace. It supports dialogue and negotiation over the threat or use of force. China also stresses that Kuwait and other Gulf states must have their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity fully respected. Civilians and non-military assets should be protected, while shipping lanes and energy infrastructure must remain safe. The article also refers to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s meeting with Kuwait’s foreign minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al...