China calls for peace and de-escalation in Middle East conflict

China &  Middle East – (Web Desk) – China’s special envoy to the Middle East has called for calm in the region and urged all sides to step back from rising tensions. During talks with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the envoy said attacks on civilians must be strongly condemned, according to a statement from Beijing on Monday.

The conflict began after strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Since then, the war has raised fears about global energy supply, trade routes, and China’s oil imports from the region.

China has close ties with Iran and earlier criticised the killing of Ali Khamenei. At the same time, Beijing has also spoken against Iran’s missile and drone attacks on several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.

China’s special envoy Zhai Jun said Beijing is deeply worried about the situation. He shared these concerns during his meeting with the Saudi foreign minister on Sunday, the Chinese foreign ministry said.

“China urges all parties to immediately cease military operations, prevent further escalation of tensions, and avoid causing greater harm to the people of regional countries,” he said.

“The sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the Gulf countries are inviolable, and any attacks on innocent civilians and non-military targets should be condemned.”

In a separate meeting with Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, head of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Zhai called for a “return to the negotiating track as soon as possible”.

China would “play a constructive role… to actively promote peace and stop the fighting”, he said.

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China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that the war “should never have happened” and called for an end to fighting.