China urges end to Mideast conflict as Hormuz closure hits economy

2026-03-16 - 11:32

China has renewed its appeal for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, warning that the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending shockwaves through the global economy. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressed Beijing's concern on Monday, emphasizing that the military escalation, now in its third week, is damaging both regional stability and international trade routes. Economic fallout and diplomatic efforts "The recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters impacted the route of international goods and energy, damaged regional and global peace and stability," Lin stated in response to a question. He urged the warring parties to exercise restraint and "prevent regional turbulence from dealing a larger impact on global economic look." The strait, a vital artery for global oil shipments, has been effectively closed since early March following Iranian retaliation against US-Israeli attacks, causing energy prices to surge worldwide. Lin confirmed that Beijing remains "in communication on the situation with all sides" as part of its diplomatic push. Calls for restraint and dialogue The conflict, which began on Feb. 28 with joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, has resulted in approximately 1,300 fatalities, including a former Iranian leader. Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting what it describes as US military assets across Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been actively engaged in telephone diplomacy with his counterparts in the region, including those in Iran and Israel, urging an end to the armed conflict. While Beijing has opposed the initial US-Israel attacks, it has also encouraged Tehran to consider the "reasonable concerns" of its neighboring countries, reflecting China's balancing act in a region where it has significant economic interests. The coming weeks will test whether Beijing's diplomatic engagement can contribute to de-escalation as the economic pressures from the conflict mount.