#OpinionLine# The #MiddleEast# is not a vacuum waiting to be filled. It has become a crowded marketplace of interests. The #US# is indispensable but no longer dominant. #China# offers development and diplomatic engagement.

Chinese FM Wang Yi held talks with Kuwaiti FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Beijing. The current situation in the #MiddleEast# and the Gulf region is once again at a critical juncture. The old script of recurring conflict must not be repeated, and a new chapter of stability and prosperity should be opened as soon as possible. China has always held that no matter how deep the differences, a way forward should be sought at the negotiating table, rather than be settled amid the roar of gunfire and artillery. It is hoped that the parties concerned will return to the track of dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible. 🔗

Chinese FM Wang Yi met with Jordanian Deputy PM ＆ FM Ayman Safadi in Beijing. The current situation in the #MiddleEast# remains complex and grave. The Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East issue and must not be marginalized or instrumentalized. China will firmly stand on the right side of history and on the side of justice with Arab states, and work for early peace and stability in the Middle East. 🔗

Chinese FM Wang Yi held talks with PM and FM of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Beijing. The ongoing tensions in the #MiddleEast# and the Gulf region are severely undermining the security of regional countries and continuously impacting energy, shipping and supply-chain stability. Military pressure is not the way out; dialogue and negotiation are the right approach. #China# stands ready to step up communication and coordination with #Qatar# and other parties in the region, and supports regional countries in holding their own future and destiny firmly in their hands, restoring regional peace and stability at an early date, and establishing a just and equitable new regional security architecture. 🔗

Oman and Iran have agreed on a proposed framework to resume safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz that includes establishing a joint temporary shipping lane and a mine-clearing project in the waterway, per MiddleEastEye

'He's been hinting at starting operations against the Taliban for about 5 years, and he commenced on August 1st and has done about 17 or 18 attacks' Will Selber (@AggieWill00) tells @davidmatlin on #MiddleEastNow#