Four-point proposal injects stability and hope into a turbulent Middle East

The Middle East is currently undergoing profound transformations amid ongoing changes. While the smoke of conflict has temporarily receded, deep-seated structural contradictions remain unresolved. Security dilemmas and development deficits continue to intertwine, leaving the region at a critical crossroads between war and peace.

Against this backdrop, President Xi Jinping, during his recent meeting in Beijing with H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, systematically put forward a four-point proposal on maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The proposal offers both principled guidance and practical pathways for addressing regional challenges and achieving enduring peace and stability. The four points are as follows:

First, stay committed to the principle of peaceful co-existence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are close neighbors that cannot move away. It’s important to support the Gulf states in improving their ties, work to build a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture of the Middle East and the Gulf region, and consolidate the foundation for peaceful co-existence.

Second, stay committed to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should be earnestly respected, and the safety of their personnel, facilities and institutions vigorously safeguarded.

Third, stay committed to the principle of international rule of law. We should safeguard the authority of international rule of law, reject selective application, and prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle. It is important to firmly uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter.

Fourth, stay committed to a balanced approach to development and security. Security is a prerequisite for development, and development serves as a safeguard of security. All sides should work to create a sound environment for and bring positive energy to the development of the Gulf states. China stands ready to share with the Gulf countries the opportunities through Chinese modernization, and work with them to nurture a fertile ground for regional development and security.

This four-point proposal not only addresses current needs, but also takes a long-term perspective on regional stability and prosperity. It reflects a deep understanding of the broader trend of development and cooperation in the Middle East, and is highly consistent with the United Arab Emirates’ development philosophy of openness, diversification, inclusiveness and a strong emphasis on security. 

Staying committed to the principle of peaceful co-existence is essential for promoting win-win cooperation in the region. Countries in the Middle East are closely interconnected, and peaceful co-existence remains the only viable path toward shared development. The United Arab Emirates has long been committed to promoting regional openness and connectivity, building itself into a global hub for trade, culture and people-to-people exchange. Dubai, in particular, has become a key platform that brings together global resources and talent. Practice has shown that adhering to peaceful co-existence and advancing cooperative development can enhance mutual trust, expand shared interests, and lay a solid foundation for long-term regional stability and prosperity.

Staying committed to the principle of national sovereignty is a prerequisite for maintaining regional order and stability. The United Arab Emirates has pursued an independent development path and actively advanced its diversification strategy, achieving notable progress in attracting global investment, facilitating trade and improving the business environment. It has become one of the most dynamic and attractive economies in the region. This demonstrates that mutual respect for sovereignty and independent development is an essential guarantee for regional stability and shared prosperity.

Staying committed to the principle of international rule of law provides an institutional guarantee for fairness and justice. As highlighted in “The Eight Principles of Dubai”，no one is above the law. Likewise, at the international level, no country has the right to place itself above international law, nor should any country act as an international policeman or self-appointed judge. The authority of international law must be upheld, and selective application must be rejected. Only by firmly upholding the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law can the international community move toward a more orderly and rules-based future.

Staying committed to a balanced approach to development and security represents the fundamental pathway toward lasting peace and stability. Development and security are mutually reinforcing. In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has made continuous progress in areas such as energy transition, infrastructure and the digital economy, enhancing its own resilience while contributing to regional development. As a responsible major country, China has provided humanitarian assistance to several countries in the region and stands ready to further expand cooperation with Middle Eastern countries in these key areas, so that development gains can be better translated into lasting security dividends.

Though the road ahead may be long, perseverance will lead to progress. In an era full of both opportunities and challenges, China remains firmly committed to peace, dialogue and development. China stands ready to work with the United Arab Emirates, guided by the important consensus reached between the two countries’ leaders, to deepen practical cooperation across various fields and inject greater momentum and certainty into regional development and prosperity.