This pool photo distributed by Russia’s state agency Sputnik shows Chinese President Xi Jinping arriving ahead of the start of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12, 2026. (Photo by: Alexander KAZAKOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Alexander Kazakov AFP | Getty Images
Chinese President Xi Jinping said the BRICS countries should strive for a peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict, adding that China is ready to play an important role.
“The situation in the Middle East and the Gulf continues to evolve in complex ways. This conflict has caused serious losses to the people of the region and is not in the common interest of the international community,” Xi said in a speech at the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Saturday.
“All parties should stick to the direction of a political solution and promote a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. They must focus on addressing the root causes of the problem,” Xi said in a Google translation of a transcript of his speech provided by the Chinese government.
Xi added that the Palestinian issue has always been at the heart of Middle East issues, and stressed the importance of implementing the so-called “two-state solution” with Israel.
“China is willing to cooperate with the BRICS member states and play its due role in achieving peace and tranquility in the Middle East and the Gulf region,” Xi said.
China is Iran’s largest trading partner and a major customer for Tehran’s energy exports.
Last month, the Trump administration imposed tough new economic sanctions on Iran. The Treasury Department’s measures, dubbed “Operation Economic Purge,” aim to sever Iran’s financial ties around the world.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated at the start of the operation that China would not be exempt.
Energy prices have soared in the wake of the conflict, but economists say China’s years of stockpiling and subsequent reductions in oil purchases have helped prevent energy prices from rising further.
President Donald Trump is expected to welcome Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the White House later this month.
BRICS was founded in 2009 to counter Western dominance and initially consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It eventually grew to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
