China to send Zhai Jun to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia, with parallel Horn of Africa shuttle visits, to urge dialogue and ease tensions.
Xinhua reported on 2 November that foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, to implement President Xi Jinping's proposals on Middle East peace and security and China's four principles for constructive engagement on African hotspots, Middle East special envoy Zhai Jun will visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November; special representative on African affairs Liu Xianfa will visit Ethiopia, Djibouti and Egypt in early to mid-November; and Horn of Africa special envoy Hu Changchun will visit Eritrea in early November. Mao said the simultaneous shuttle visits aim to urge talks, ease tensions and play a constructive role for regional peace and stability. China News Service and CCTV News also reported the briefing. Reuters, via Arab News, said Mao announced Zhai's Iran-Oman-Saudi itinerary and parallel African trips. Al-Monitor, covering Xi's talks with Oman's sultan, likewise noted the ministry later said Zhai would visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia this month. The itinerary follows the same-day China–Oman joint statement language on Hormuz navigation and regional de-escalation.
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