Xi urges diplomatic Mideast solution in Jordan talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged a diplomatic solution to the Middle East crisis in talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Beijing on Monday, according to China's foreign ministry.

Xi said China had “always advocated for a comprehensive ceasefire” and for resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means. He said the sovereignty and security of countries in the region, including Jordan, should be respected.

The Middle East was thrown into crisis after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28. Jordan, a US-allied kingdom, has been caught in the middle of Washington's months-long war with Tehran.

Xi also urged a “comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue”, the foreign ministry said. He said China supported the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks based on a two-state solution.

China's foreign ministry said the two sides signed several agreements on diplomacy, trade and supply chains and issued a joint statement. State broadcaster CCTV said they called in the statement for restoring normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

King Abdullah has been on an official visit to China since August 18. It is his ninth trip to the country since he took the throne in 1999.