China warns Middle East at 'critical moment,' urges dialogue

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned that the Middle East and the Gulf region have once again reached a "critical moment," urging for de-escalation and a swift return to dialogue and negotiation. Speaking in Beijing with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Wang stressed that "the old script of recurring cycles of conflict must not be repeated." He called for the immediate opening of "a new chapter of stability and prosperity."

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No matter how great the differences, solutions must be sought at the negotiating table and not through weapons.

"No matter how great the differences, solutions must be sought at the negotiating table and not through weapons," the Chinese diplomat stated. Wang added that with steps already taken towards a ceasefire, there should be "no turning back." He urged all parties to return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, emphasizing that "the immediate priority is to lower tensions."

Wang expressed Beijing's readiness to enhance coordination with Kuwait to help restore regional peace and stability. Al-Jarrah, in turn, acknowledged China's "constructive role" in the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He advocated for stronger bilateral coordination to re-establish security and stability in the region and to protect the freedom and safety of international maritime routes.

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the old script of recurring cycles of conflict must not be repeated.

The Chinese minister's remarks come amid heightened economic pressure from Washington on Tehran. Iran has threatened to attack U.S. interests and oil export routes of countries adhering to new sanctions. Tensions also persist over transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply. The security of these routes has become increasingly important, with the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Kuwait, discussing measures in late July to guarantee freedom of navigation.

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the immediate priority is to lower tensions.

Regional escalation directly impacted Kuwait in July when its authorities reported an attack, attributed to Iran, on a Chinese company's building in the northern part of the emirate. The incident resulted in at least one death and significant material damage. During their meeting, Wang specifically requested Kuwait to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects within its territory, a commitment Al-Jarrah assured would continue. The two foreign ministers also marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in investment and energy, and to accelerate joint projects.

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constructive role