Key facts
- Zhai Jun said China is willing to pursue stronger ties with Iran, per a Chinese foreign ministry readout.
- Zhai made the remark in talks with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
- Zhai is visiting Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in November, the report said.
- Zhai called for a "focus on political solutions" to promote stability and development in the region.
China's special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, said China is willing to pursue stronger ties with Iran during talks with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, according to a readout from China's foreign ministry on November 9, 2026. Zhai met Kani in Iran.
Zhai said there needs to be a "focus on political solutions with a rational and pragmatic spirit, and promote the early restoration of stability and development in the region," according to the readout.
Zhai is visiting Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in November as China steps up efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East, the report said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in separate meetings with Iranian and Saudi national security officials, has said all parties in the Middle East conflict should focus on political solutions rather than resorting to arms again, according to the report.
President Xi Jinping has also previously said China was willing to work with African countries to address the spillover effects of the Middle East conflict, the report said.