China reaffirms support for Saudi-Iran ties ‘across various fields’ in Riyadh talks

China has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran “across various fields” during talks to advance a Beijing-brokered detente between the two long-time foes.

At a meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday, senior diplomats from the three nations also collectively called for “an immediate end” to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, according to a joint statement released by China’s foreign ministry.

They also condemned Israeli “attacks and violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Iran.

It came a day after Israel confirmed that its air attack on Iran last month hit part of Tehran’s nuclear programme while degrading its defence and missile production capabilities, and amid ongoing concerns about a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

“The three parties believe that the continuing cycle of violence and escalation is a serious threat to the security of the region and the world, as well as to maritime security,” according to the joint statement.

It was the second meeting of a China-Saudi Arabia-Iran tripartite committee that was set up to support the process of normalising relations between Riyadh and Tehran after an agreement was reached in Beijing in March 2023 to restore diplomatic ties after seven years of hostility.

Mediated by China, the deal was seen as a diplomatic victory for Beijing as it seeks to position itself as a global peace broker and challenge the traditional dominance of Washington in the Middle East.

On Tuesday, Riyadh and Tehran also “reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement in all its provisions and their continued endeavour to consolidate neighbourly relations between their countries”, the official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing the joint statement.