ANTALYA: A Turkish expert has said that China’s four-point proposal for promoting peace and stability in the Middle East offers a constructive and practical approach to resolving tensions in the region.
Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 held from April 17 to 19, Can Acun, a researcher at the Ankara-based Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research, said China’s growing role in the Middle East is becoming increasingly important.
He said the proposal introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping provides “a fresh and constructive framework” for advancing peace and stability across the region.
During a meeting in Beijing last Tuesday with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE, President Xi presented a four-point proposal focused on adherence to the principles of peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, international rule of law, and maintaining a balanced approach to development and security.
Acun said the proposal addresses the region’s most pressing issues, including the need for a regional security structure, protection of sovereignty, and stronger economic development.
He described China’s proposal as “both reasonable and constructive.”
Commenting on recent developments in the region, Acun noted that despite a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, a second round of negotiations has yet to begin after the first round ended without any agreement.
He pointed to Iran’s uranium enrichment programme as one of the main obstacles to a lasting peace deal, saying Tehran remains firm on its right to enrichment.
According to Acun, any progress in future Washington-Tehran talks would require some flexibility from the U.S. side.
He said fresh negotiations could move forward if Washington shows willingness to accommodate Tehran’s position to some extent, while failure to reach a compromise could lead to renewed tensions.
The expert added that China’s focus on dialogue, sovereignty, and development offers a realistic path toward achieving long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.
