China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the United Nations Security Council to take decisive steps toward ending the escalating conflict in the Middle East, warning that the global body must not legitimize what he described as “illegal acts of war.”
According to Chinese state media, Wang made the remarks on Thursday during a phone conversation with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. The discussion comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions following a series of military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In the conversation, Wang stressed that the international community overwhelmingly supports an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue. He urged the United Nations Security Council to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis rather than taking actions that could exacerbate the situation.
“A ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities are the common aspiration of the international community,” Wang said. “Actions by the UN Security Council should help ease tensions and bring the war to an end to resume talks, rather than endorsing illegal acts of war, let alone adding fuel to the fire.”
China’s latest diplomatic intervention underscores its growing concern over the widening conflict, which has disrupted regional stability and raised alarm about global economic consequences. Beijing has consistently positioned itself as a proponent of peaceful resolution, advocating dialogue over military confrontation.
The current crisis escalated sharply after a joint military offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. The operation resulted in heavy casualties, with reports indicating that more than 1,340 people were killed, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The killing of Khamenei marked a significant turning point in the conflict, triggering a wave of retaliatory actions by Tehran. Iran has since carried out multiple drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf nations hosting US military installations. These attacks have caused widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and damage to critical infrastructure.
The conflict has also had far-reaching economic implications. Global markets have experienced volatility, particularly in the energy sector, while international aviation has been disrupted due to safety concerns in affected airspaces. Shipping activities in the region have also been significantly impacted.
At least 13 US servicemen have reportedly been killed since the conflict began, with dozens more wounded. The rising human toll on all sides has intensified international calls for de-escalation and a negotiated settlement.
A key flashpoint in the ongoing crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor through which a substantial portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Iran has maintained effective control over the strait, allowing passage only to vessels from countries it considers “friendly.” This selective access has heightened concerns about the security of global energy supplies and the potential for further disruptions.
During his conversation with Al Zayani, Wang reiterated China’s “principled stance of opposing aggression and advocating for peace.” He emphasized that all parties must prioritize the protection of civilians and avoid targeting non-military infrastructure.
Wang also revealed that China, in collaboration with Pakistan, has put forward a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region and the broader Middle East. The proposal includes calls for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and non-military targets, measures to ensure the safety and security of the Strait of Hormuz, and efforts to restore normal shipping operations in the area.
The initiative reflects China’s attempt to take a more active diplomatic role in resolving the crisis, leveraging its relationships in the region and its status as a major global power with significant economic interests at stake.
Al Zayani, who currently serves as the chair of the ministerial council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, echoed concerns about the deteriorating security environment. He noted that Gulf nations are facing serious challenges as the conflict continues to unfold.
According to reports, Al Zayani highlighted that shipping passage through the Strait of Hormuz has been obstructed, posing a direct threat to the economies of Gulf countries and the broader international community. The disruption of maritime trade routes has added urgency to calls for coordinated international action.
The Gulf region, long a hub for global energy exports, remains particularly vulnerable to instability in the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged disruption could have cascading effects on oil prices, supply chains, and economic growth worldwide.
China’s appeal to the UN Security Council comes amid increasing pressure on global institutions to respond effectively to the crisis. Analysts say Beijing’s stance reflects both its strategic interests in maintaining stable energy supplies and its broader foreign policy goal of promoting multilateral solutions to international conflicts.
As tensions continue to escalate, the prospects for a swift resolution remain uncertain. However, China’s call for restraint and renewed dialogue adds to a growing chorus of voices urging an end to hostilities before the situation spirals further out of control.
For now, the international community watches closely as diplomatic efforts intensify, with the hope that dialogue and cooperation can prevail over conflict in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
