BEIJING - China's defense ministry said Thursday that Beijing is committed to de-escalating tensions across the Middle East and promoting regional stability.
Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang told Rudaw during a press briefing that Beijing remains dedicated to a peace initiative outlined by President Xi Jinping.
"The Chinese side is willing to continue upholding the spirit of the four-point proposal put forward by President Xi Jinping, further committing to stopping the war and promoting peace," Zhang said.
Beijing has positioned itself as an international mediator in recent years, notably facilitating a landmark reconciliation agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023. As a major importer of Iraqi and Iranian crude oil, China considers Middle Eastern stability vital to its energy security and Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
Zhang said China aims to "push for the de-escalation and cooling down of the situation, and restore regional peace and stability," adding that defense authorities would make "unremitting efforts toward this end."
The spokesperson declined to comment directly when asked about repeated attacks by Iran-backed groups on the Kurdistan Region, or whether Baghdad had requested to purchase Chinese air defense hardware.
"Regarding the specific situation you mentioned, I do not have relevant information," Zhang said.
The Kurdistan Region has faced recurring drone and missile strikes by Iran and Tehran-aligned militias over the past year, prompting Iraqi officials to urge upgrades to national air defense systems.
While Beijing maintains a diplomatic principle of non-interference in other nations' internal affairs, its expanding economic ties with Baghdad have fueled speculation over potential bilateral security and military cooperation.
