Beijing — China on Tuesday called on the warring parties in the Middle East to “demonstrate sincerity” in responding to ceasefire proposals, while cautioning the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) ahead of an anticipated vote concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning addressed reporters in Beijing, stressing that the immediate priority is to halt hostilities and restore peace in the region. “All parties need to demonstrate sincerity and quickly end this war that should not have taken place,” Mao said, referring to ongoing military operations between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Mao reiterated Beijing’s longstanding position, describing the US-Israeli attacks on Iran as the “root cause of the conflict,” arguing that these operations violated international law. She emphasized that military action does not produce lasting peace. “The use of force does not bring peace; political settlement is the right way forward,” Mao stated. She further urged all parties to return to dialogue and negotiations to resolve underlying issues and restore stability across the Middle East.
The statement followed reports that Iran had responded on Monday to a US proposal with its own 10-point demands, transmitted through Pakistan as a mediator. Mao welcomed all efforts conducive to peace, specifically praising Pakistan’s active role in facilitating dialogue.
“China welcomes all efforts that are conducive to peace and supports Pakistan in its active mediation efforts,” Mao said, highlighting Beijing’s diplomatic approach and preference for multilateral engagement over escalation.
The UNSC is expected to vote on Tuesday in New York on a resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively come under Iranian control amid the ongoing war. Mao urged the council to exercise caution and focus on promoting peace rather than exacerbating tensions.
“Currently, the spillover of the conflict in Iran is still continuing; what is important is to promote peace talks and a ceasefire,” Mao said. She added, “The Security Council should promote a ceasefire and not add fire to the flames,” signaling China’s concern over potential resolutions that could intensify the conflict rather than resolve it.
As a permanent member of the UNSC, China reaffirmed its commitment to playing a constructive role in regional diplomacy. “As a responsible P5 country, China is willing to play a constructive role in promoting a ceasefire for peace and stability in the region,” Mao said, referring to the five permanent members of the Security Council: China, the US, Russia, the UK, and France.
Mao recalled that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been actively engaged throughout the crisis, making 26 phone calls with counterparts from the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, and Russia, to push for dialogue and an end to military operations. Wang’s diplomatic outreach reflects Beijing’s efforts to stabilize the situation through mediation and political channels rather than military intervention.
Whether Wang Yi has also contacted his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, remains unknown, though Chinese officials continue to emphasize that communication and negotiation with all relevant parties are critical to resolving the conflict.
China’s statements underscore its consistent call for multilateralism and restraint in the Middle East. By advocating for ceasefires, dialogue, and respect for international law, Beijing positions itself as a mediator in a region increasingly destabilized by military confrontations.
Analysts note that China’s approach reflects both a desire to maintain regional stability — crucial for energy supply chains passing through the Strait of Hormuz — and to assert a diplomatic role as a global power in contrast to unilateral military interventions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway through which a substantial portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Iranian control of the strait, combined with ongoing hostilities, has heightened global concern about disruptions to energy markets, shipping, and international trade. Beijing’s call for restraint and mediation reflects its recognition of the potential economic fallout from escalating conflict in this key region.
Mao emphasized that immediate de-escalation is necessary not only to protect civilians but also to safeguard international commerce. She highlighted China’s preference for political negotiation over military solutions, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue and ceasefire implementation.
China’s call for sincerity, restraint, and diplomatic engagement comes at a critical moment as the Middle East faces intensifying conflict and the UN Security Council considers measures to secure international shipping. By advocating for ceasefires and political solutions, Beijing seeks to reduce human suffering, protect civilian infrastructure, and prevent further escalation while positioning itself as a stabilizing influence in a volatile region.
The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether diplomatic efforts, including China’s mediation support and Pakistan’s facilitation, can successfully halt hostilities and establish a sustainable pathway toward peace in the Middle East.
