Arab League declares support for 'one-China sovereignty' amid Taiwan crisis

The Arab League declared its support for China on Tuesday as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed in Taiwan.

Pelosi's visit has left the world on edge amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington.

The league’s stance "is based on upholding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and firmly adhering to the one-China principle," according to Secretary-General Hossam Zaki.

Zaki said the Arab League "was looking forward to a quick breakthrough in the Taiwan crisis" in a phone call with the Chinese ambassador to Egypt and the Arab League, Liao Liqiang.

Liao conveyed to Zaki Beijing’s position on the recent developments in Taiwan, stressing "the importance of respecting the one-China principle and not taking actions that contradict the relevant United Nations resolutions that are not conducive to achieving peace and stability in the region."

Syria, which was expelled from the 22-member League following its brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011, also condemned Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

Damascus called it a "an act of hostility which doesn’t abide by international laws, and does not respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China,” according to state-run news agency SANA.

Iran also condemned the visit and reiterated its support for China.

China has in recent years worked to strengthen its role in the Middle East, especially through security agreements, development and technology.

Arab countries have largely been silent on Beijing's persecution of its Muslim Uighur minority, in some cases deporting Uighurs to China where they face arrest, torture, and execution.

Pelosi is the highest-profile elected US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years. Her visit comes part of an Asia tour.

Beijing has made clear that it regards her presence as a major provocation. Its military said it was on "high alert" and would "launch a series of targeted military actions in response" to the visit.

Taiwan said the trip displayed "rock solid" support from Washington.