China has issued a strong appeal to Iran and Israel to de-escalate their ongoing hostilities, warning that the intensifying conflict risks spilling over into wider regional instability with potentially severe global consequences.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Guo Jiakun, expressed deep concern over the continued fighting, which has entered its 11th day.
The conflict has seen tit-for-tat military strikes between Iran and Israel, further compounded by U.S. intervention following its airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
“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 stated.
The appeal follows a dramatic escalation in hostilities after the U.S. military targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan in a coordinated strike, citing intelligence that Tehran was nearing weapons-grade enrichment.
The airstrikes, carried out with bunker-buster bombs, have drawn harsh criticism from Tehran, which has vowed “appropriate and forceful” retaliation.
Israel, which has faced multiple waves of Iranian missile attacks, has also intensified its military posture. At least 16 people were reportedly injured in central Tel Aviv on Sunday after Iranian projectiles struck a residential neighborhood, causing widespread panic and destruction.
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The regional fallout of the conflict is already being felt. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China over the weekend to play a more proactive role in deterring Iran from blocking the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global shipping lane through which nearly a third of the world’s oil supply passes.
China, which maintains strong economic ties with both Iran and Israel, has consistently advocated for diplomatic dialogue and multilateral conflict resolution. On Monday, Beijing reiterated its position, stressing that the Persian Gulf and surrounding waterways are vital to international trade and energy stability.
“Maintaining security and stability in this region is in the common interests of the international community,” Guo said. “China calls on the international community to make greater efforts to promote the de-escalation of the conflict and prevent regional instability from having a greater impact on global economic development.”
China’s call for peace comes amid mounting concern from the European Union and United Nations, both of which have urged restraint and called for emergency diplomatic engagements.
The global energy market is already reacting to the crisis. Crude oil prices have surged to their highest level in over a year, raising fears of inflation and supply disruptions. Several international airlines have also announced flight route changes to avoid Iranian and Israeli airspace.
As the conflict threatens to spiral further, observers say China’s role — along with other influential powers — may prove critical in brokering a truce or at least averting a broader regional war.
PunchNewspaper
