China's special envoy for Middle East affairs, Zhai Jun, emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation in the Gulf region during a high-level meeting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday. With tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel threatening regional stability, Zhai warned that prolonged conflict "serves no one's interests" and called for immediate dialogue to avert further crises.
Zhai, currently touring the Middle East, met with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss pathways to peace. According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement, he stressed that a ceasefire remains "the fundamental way out of the current predicament," underscoring Beijing's commitment to multilateral diplomacy.
The envoy's remarks come amid heightened global concerns over energy security and trade disruptions in 2026, as the Gulf remains a critical artery for international shipping. Analysts suggest China's proactive engagement reflects its growing role as a mediator in complex geopolitical disputes, particularly in regions vital to its Belt and Road Initiative partnerships.
