China opposes any escalation in Middle East

China on Monday described the ongoing US-Iran ceasefire as "very fragile", urging the international community to firmly oppose any moves that could escalate tensions, as the UN and European leaders underscored growing concern over regional instability and maritime security. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, called on the global community to "unequivocally oppose any actions that undermine the ceasefire or escalate the confrontation". According to China's foreign ministry, Wang stressed that the immediate priority is to prevent a return to hostilities and to preserve the "hard-won momentum of ceasefire". He also said China would welcome a greater role for Pakistan in facilitating a resolution to the conflict, adding that Beijing stands ready to contribute to diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the situation. Separately, the foreign ministry said Wang met with United Arab Emirates' special envoy to China Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, and "emphasised that blocking the Strait of Hormuz was not in the common interest of the international community". Wang told the envoy that China "understands the legitimate security concerns" of Gulf states in the Middle East "and supports the UAE in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests," it added. In New York, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned against further escalation, with his spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasising that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be preserved under international law. Responding to questions about the US-ordered blockade of the waterway, Dujarric reiterated the UN chief's position that "no one should do anything that harms the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz." He added that Guterres believes there is "no military solution" to the crisis following weeks of destruction after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. He also called for Pakistan-mediated talks and the ceasefire process to continue without interruption. The UN chief, Dujarric said, views recent US-Iran talks as a "positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue," while cautioning that any agreement would require time and continued engagement.