China Urges Restraint as Gulf Tensions Reach Critical Point
China's top diplomat urges de-escalation in the Gulf, warning against repeating old conflict patterns.
Beijing has called for an immediate return to dialogue in the Middle East and Gulf region, warning that the situation has reached a critical juncture. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
Wang stressed that the "old script of recurring conflict should not be repeated" and identified de-escalation as the top priority. He expressed China's willingness to strengthen coordination with Kuwait and contribute to restoring peace and stability in the region.
The appeal comes as tensions in the Gulf have escalated sharply. The United States has threatened Iran with what it calls "the greatest financial offensive ever," targeting Tehran's trade partners. In response, Iran has dismissed the threat and vowed to halt all oil exports from the Gulf if the economic war continues. Tehran has also issued a new warning to shipping, saying vessels should not pass through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil passes, making any disruption a significant global concern. China's call for restraint reflects its broader interest in regional stability and energy security.