China Calls for Calm Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
Beijing warns of global economic fallout and calls for political resolution to prevent wider conflict.
China has called on Iran and Israel to de-escalate hostilities and avoid further escalation of their conflict, which entered its 11th day on Monday amid ongoing aerial assaults.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, speaking at a press briefing in Beijing, warned of the potential for a “spillover of war” and urged both parties to return to political dialogue.
“The Chinese side urges the parties to the conflict to prevent the situation from escalating repeatedly, resolutely avoid the spillover of war, and return to the path of political resolution,” Guo said.
The appeal comes as tensions soared following U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. Tehran has since vowed retaliation, while Iran and Israel traded aerial attacks early Monday.
The crisis has raised fears over the safety of key trade routes. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday called on China to help deter Iran from blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil shipments.
In response, Beijing highlighted the global stakes.
“The Persian Gulf and surrounding waters are important international trade routes,” Guo stated.
“Maintaining security and stability in this region is in the common interests of the international community.”
China called on world powers to intensify diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict, stressing the potential economic consequences of continued fighting.
“The international community must do more to prevent fighting between Iran and Israel from impacting the global economy,” Guo added.
“We urge greater efforts to promote de-escalation and prevent regional instability from affecting global development.”
About the Author
