China Pledges Closer Ties with Islamic Countries to Safeguard Developing Nations’ Interests

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held high-level talks with Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, reaffirming China’s commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with the 57-member bloc and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries amid rising global geopolitical tensions.

The meeting, held in Beijing on January 25, 2026, focused on expanding Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) collaboration, advancing political solutions to Middle East conflicts, and promoting genuine multilateralism through the United Nations framework.

Wang expressed appreciation for the OIC’s longstanding support on core Chinese interests, particularly Xinjiang and Taiwan, and pledged continued solidarity with Islamic nations on issues of common concern.

Key Highlights from the Discussions

• Belt and Road Expansion — Wang emphasized deepening BRI ties in infrastructure, trade, energy, and digital connectivity across OIC member states, building on existing projects in Pakistan (CPEC), Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Indonesia, and others.
• Middle East Peace Efforts — China reiterated support for a two-state solution on Palestine, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and humanitarian access. Wang advocated political dialogue over military escalation in regional crises.
• Multilateralism & Global South — Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination at the UN, BRICS, and other forums to counter unilateralism, protect developing nations’ development rights, and promote a multipolar world order.
• One-China Policy & Xinjiang — Secretary-General Taha reaffirmed the OIC’s adherence to the one-China principle and welcomed China’s development achievements in Xinjiang, including poverty alleviation, education, and vocational training programs for Uyghur and other communities.

Geopolitical Context
The talks reflect China’s sustained strategy to build alliances with the Global South and Islamic world as a counterweight to U.S. influence.

The OIC—representing over 1.8 billion Muslims and spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe—has been a consistent partner for Beijing on issues such as Palestine, countering Islamophobia, and resisting Western sanctions or interference.

China’s engagement includes:

• Brokering the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement.
• Hosting OIC delegations to Xinjiang for firsthand assessments.
• Significant BRI investments in OIC countries (ports, railways, energy, digital infrastructure).
• Diplomatic support at the UN against resolutions critical of China’s policies in Xinjiang.

The meeting occurred amid heightened regional tensions:

• Iran has warned of “all-out war” in response to potential attacks, amid ongoing domestic protests that Iranian officials claim have resulted in at least 5,000 deaths since late 2025 (disputed by opposition sources).
• U.S. President Donald Trump recently referenced an “armada” heading toward the region, renewing threats linked to Iran’s nuclear program and regional proxies.

China has positioned itself as a stabilizing force advocating dialogue and non-interference, contrasting with U.S. military posturing and sanctions.

Implications
The pledge reinforces China’s role as a preferred partner for many OIC nations seeking development finance and diplomatic backing without political conditionalities.

It also signals Beijing’s intent to deepen influence in the Middle East and broader Islamic world amid shifting global alignments, U.S.-China frictions, and ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Yemen, and Syria.

The OIC, headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, serves as the collective voice of Muslim-majority nations. China holds observer status and has steadily expanded cooperation since the early 2010s.