Xi warns against ‘law of the jungle’ as China pushes for international law

ALBAWABA- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for strict adherence to international law and rejected what he described as a dangerous drift toward “the law of the jungle,” as tensions escalate in the Middle East following U.S.-led actions against Iran, including a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking during talks in Beijing with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Xi emphasized the need to uphold the international legal order and resist selective enforcement of global norms. He stressed the importance of safeguarding a rules-based system anchored in the United Nations and guided by the principles of its Charter.

Xi warned against unilateral approaches, urging the international community to preserve the authority of international law and maintain a system rooted in fairness and multilateral cooperation.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed respect for international law and a shared “sense of justice” during talks in Beijing amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. pic.twitter.com/zcbnzGv4Oh

— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) April 14, 2026

In a separate meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Xi outlined a four-point framework aimed at promoting stability in the Middle East. The proposal called for peaceful coexistence among Gulf states, respect for national sovereignty, a balanced approach linking development with security, and continued commitment to international law.

He underscored that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, particularly for developing nations, and highlighted China’s willingness to expand cooperation with Gulf countries through development initiatives tied to its modernization agenda.

The diplomatic push comes as China signals defiance of U.S. sanctions and the Hormuz blockade. Shipping data indicated that Chinese vessels, including sanctioned tankers, transited the strategic waterway on the first full day of the American operation, underscoring Beijing’s rejection of unilateral restrictions.

Xi’s remarks reflect China’s broader critique of the selective application of international norms and its preference for multilateral diplomacy centered on the United Nations. The statements follow the collapse of U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks and come amid rising regional tensions that have already driven global oil prices higher.

China’s parallel engagements with Spain and the United Arab Emirates highlight its growing diplomatic role in the Middle East, as Beijing positions itself as an advocate for stability, sovereignty, and balanced development during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.