On May 6, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di published a byline article titled “Four Propositions Illuminate the Path towards Peace and Development in the Middle East” on the Hill Times. The full text is as follows:

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Iran, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China has consistently upheld an objective, impartial and balanced position, and made sustained efforts to promote a ceasefire and an end to hostilities. The five-point initiative jointly proposed by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East has attracted widespread international attention and received positive responses.

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, during his meeting with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Beijing.

First, stay committed to the principle of peaceful co-existence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are independent and inseparable neighbors. 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 United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by purposes and principles of the United Nations 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 inject momentum into the development of the Gulf states. China stands ready to share the opportunities of Chinese modernization with the Gulf countries, and work with them to foster favorable conditions for regional development and security.

The four-point proposal fully embodies China’s consistent position and active efforts to promote peace, end hostilities, and advocate dialogue as the means to resolve differences. It offers a Chinese approach for the Middle East and the Gulf region to emerge from the shadow of conflict and achieve long-term peace and stability.

The situation in the Middle East is now at a critical transition from war to peace. At such a moment, it is all the more important for all parties to demonstrate the greatest sincerity, and to steadily advance the situation toward a political settlement. China calls on all parties to seize the window of opportunity for peace, exercise maximum restraint, show the greatest sincerity, remain committed to the overarching direction of a political solution, and ensure that the momentum toward a ceasefire and negotiations is sustained. China will, in line with President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal, work with the international community to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region at an early date.

In the face of a complex and turbulent international landscape, solidarity and cooperation are the only right option. Five years ago, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Development Initiative. In the years since then, he has successively proposed the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. As a force for peace, stability and progress in the world, China will continue to work with all countries, including Canada, guided by the four global initiatives, to uphold dialogue and consultation, pursue win-win cooperation, advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and light the way forward for the Middle East toward a future of lasting stability, peace and development.