China repeats call to put immediate stop to military operation

China repeats call to put immediate stop to military operation

China Reiterates Call for Immediate Halt to Middle East Military Operations

China has urged an immediate cessation of military operations in the Middle East to prevent further escalation of the conflict following recent U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attacks on U.S. installations in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. At a March 2 foreign ministry briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that military actions without UN Security Council authorization violate international law and risk destabilizing the region.

The Chinese government expressed concern over the conflict’s spillover effects, which threaten the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Gulf nations. Mao highlighted China’s support for dialogue and diplomacy as the sole pathways to resolving the crisis, noting the GCC’s recent endorsement of peaceful negotiations. This aligns with Beijing’s broader advocacy for regional stability, particularly as prolonged conflicts could disrupt global trade routes and energy markets, which are critical to China’s economic interests.

China’s stance reflects its strategic emphasis on non-interference and multilateralism. By urging restraint, Beijing seeks to position itself as a mediator while avoiding direct involvement in the escalating tensions. The foreign ministry also underscored the importance of “good-neighborliness and friendship” among regional actors to foster cooperation and mitigate risks to peace.

For investors, the conflict’s trajectory remains a key risk factor. Escalation in the Gulf could disrupt oil supplies, given the region’s dominance in global energy exports, potentially driving up prices and impacting inflationary pressures worldwide. China’s call for de-escalation, however, signals its commitment to maintaining open trade channels and preventing a broader geopolitical crisis that could ripple through global financial markets.

As the situation evolves, stakeholders will closely monitor diplomatic efforts and whether parties adhere to calls for restraint. China’s continued advocacy for dialogue underscores its long-term interest in a stable Middle East, a region pivotal to its economic and geopolitical strategies.

According to Xinhua News Agency, March 2, 2026.