BEIJING: China on Friday called for an immediate end to the ongoing war in the Middle East, warning that the nearly three-week-old conflict is harming global energy supplies, shipping routes and trade, with no signs of slowing down.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said history has shown that the use of force only deepens divisions and fuels further conflict.
“The still widening war in the Middle East harms the common interests of all countries,” he said, reiterating Beijing’s position that all sides should cease hostilities and ensure uninterrupted energy flows from the Gulf region.
The remarks coincided with the anniversary of the Iraq War, which began in 2003 and led to prolonged instability and the rise of militant groups such as Daesh.
In a separate development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told French President’s top diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne that the “unjust war should not go on,” urging greater coordination among United Nations Security Council members to prevent further escalation.
Wang emphasised that countries, particularly major powers, should work together to stop the conflict from drawing in more states. Since the war began, he has spoken with counterparts from nearly all permanent members of the Security Council, except the United States.
Analysts say the conflict presents China with an opportunity to position itself as a more reliable global power amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The war has also affected high-level diplomacy, with a planned meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former US president Donald Trump reportedly delayed by around six weeks. The visit had been seen as a potential opportunity to reset strained relations between the two economic powers.
