China Organizes Forum with Arab Leaders to Enhance Relations

China is hosting several senior Arab leaders and diplomats today, Wednesday, on the eve of a forum that Beijing hopes will deepen relations with the region and reflect a "common voice" regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Among the attendees will be Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with several regional leaders and diplomats. Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech at the opening of the forum on Thursday, according to Beijing, aiming to build "common consensus" between China and Arab countries. The conflict between Israel and Hamas will be at the forefront of the forum's agenda, noting that Xi has called for an "international peace conference" in hopes of finding a solution. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Yemeni counterpart Shae'a Mohsen Al-Zandani and Sudanese counterpart Hussein Awad in Beijing, expressing hopes to "enhance solidarity and coordination" with the Arab world. Wang discussed with Al-Zandani China's concerns regarding attacks disrupting maritime traffic in the Red Sea by Houthis, who claim their actions are in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.