Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, as a wave of international leaders visited China amid growing tensions linked to the Middle East conflict.
The meeting comes at a time when countries affected by the crisis are seeking diplomatic engagement, with leaders such as Pedro Sánchez, Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and To Lam also holding talks with the Chinese leader this week.
Speaking after his meeting with Xi, Lavrov said Russia could help offset China’s energy shortfall as disruptions continue along the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
China, one of the world’s largest energy importers, has been feeling the impact of rising oil prices and supply disruptions, prompting renewed urgency in its diplomatic engagements.
Xi, for his part, has been positioning China as a stabilising force and potential mediator in the crisis, particularly amid tensions involving the United States and its allies.
During talks with the Abu Dhabi crown prince, Xi said China would play a “constructive role” in promoting peace in the Middle East, while in discussions with Spain’s Sánchez, he warned that the world is facing increasing “chaos and turmoil,” urging stronger international cooperation.
Analysts say the flurry of diplomatic activity in Beijing reflects shifting global dynamics, with countries—especially in the Gulf—looking to China to use its influence over Iran to help ease tensions and encourage dialogue.
Lavrov, who is on a two-day visit, also highlighted Russia’s readiness to support China’s energy needs, stating that Moscow could “compensate” for shortages affecting China and other partner countries.
However, experts note that while China and Russia share close economic and political ties, their interests may not fully align. High energy prices, for instance, pose challenges for China’s economy but can benefit Russia by boosting revenues amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi called for deeper cooperation between both countries, urging them to strengthen trust, enhance resilience, and expand strategic collaboration.
Lavrov, in response, described China-Russia relations as a stabilising force in global affairs.
The visit also included discussions between Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on a range of global issues, including the Iran conflict, the Asia-Pacific region, and the war in Ukraine.
Both sides also confirmed plans for a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Xi later this year, further underscoring the deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow amid an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
