China has dispatched three special envoys to East Africa and the Middle East in November 2026, aiming to promote peace talks and ease tensions in the region. According to a press conference held on November 2, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced that Liu Xianfa, special representative for African affairs, will visit Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Egypt in early and mid-November.
The special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Hu Changchun, will visit Eritrea, while Zhai Jun, envoy for the Middle East, will travel to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. China's increased diplomatic efforts come as it maintains a naval base in Djibouti and seeks to play a constructive role in preserving regional peace and stability.
Mao Ning justified the diplomatic tour by citing initiatives from President Xi Jinping and China's "four principles" for African crises. The goal of these visits is to promote peace talks, ease tensions, and contribute to regional stability. China's diplomatic efforts in the region have been closely watched, particularly given its growing presence in the area.
Hu Changchun began his tour on November 5 in Asmara, where he met with Eritrean President Issayas Afewerki. The Eritrean presidency released a statement on the meeting, stating that Hu Changchun reiterated China's stance on respecting Eritrea's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This meeting marked the third encounter between the two leaders in less than a year.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, related to Ethiopia's access to the Red Sea, had raised concerns among several capitals. The position of special envoy for the region was established in 2022, initially held by Xue Bing, before Hu Changchun took over. China's diplomatic efforts aim to address regional concerns and promote stability.
China's increased presence in the region, including its naval base in Djibouti, has been a subject of interest. The country's diplomatic efforts seek to promote peace and stability, aligning with its growing role in regional affairs. China's special envoys will engage in discussions with regional leaders to promote dialogue and cooperation.
The visits by China's special envoys are part of a broader effort to promote peace and stability in the region. By engaging with regional leaders, China aims to contribute to a more stable and secure environment in East Africa and the Middle East. The outcome of these diplomatic efforts will be closely watched by regional and international observers.
Key points
- China is sending high-ranking diplomats to promote peace talks and ease tensions in East Africa and the Middle East.
- The diplomatic tour aims to promote peace talks, ease tensions, and contribute to regional stability.
- China's special envoys will engage in discussions with regional leaders to promote dialogue and cooperation.
