China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned on Monday that the Middle East and Gulf region had reached a critical juncture, urging immediate dialogue to prevent further escalation. Speaking during a meeting with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Beijing, Wang stated that the region could not afford to repeat the "old script of recurring conflict" and identified de-escalation as the top priority.
The diplomatic push comes amid heightened U.S. pressure on Iran, with Washington preparing new economic measures targeting countries engaged in trade with Tehran. The U.S. has framed the measures as "the greatest financial offensive ever" against Iran’s trade partners, escalating tensions further.
In response, Iran rejected the U.S. threat and warned of severe consequences if the economic pressure continues. Tehran threatened to shut down all oil exports from the Gulf region if the measures persisted, while also issuing a warning to shipping vessels, prohibiting them from passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply transits the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the potential economic impact of any disruption.
China reiterated its willingness to strengthen coordination with Kuwait to restore peace and stability in the region, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions over military or economic confrontation.
