China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has called on France to step up cooperation in resolving the deepening Middle East crisis, warning that the situation is rapidly deteriorating.
During a phone call with French presidential adviser Emmanuel Bonne, Wang emphasized that “an unjust war must not continue” and stressed that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path forward.
The appeal comes as tensions escalate following the US-Israel strikes on Iran 2026, which triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran and heightened instability across the region. While Beijing maintains strong ties with Iran, it has also criticized Iranian strikes targeting Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases, signaling a more balanced diplomatic stance.
Wang highlighted that both China and France, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, have a responsibility to enhance coordination and prevent global instability. He warned against a return to the “law of the jungle,” underscoring fears of a broader geopolitical breakdown.
The ongoing conflict has raised serious concerns about global energy security, particularly affecting China’s oil imports from the Middle East. In response, Beijing has intensified its diplomatic efforts, sending special envoy Zhai Jun to engage with regional leaders in countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as the Arab League.
China has consistently called for a ceasefire, with Wang Yi stating earlier that the war “should never have happened.” The latest remarks further position Beijing as a potential mediator, even as global powers remain divided on how to handle the crisis.
As the conflict continues to threaten regional stability and global markets, the world is closely watching whether major powers like China and France can turn diplomatic calls into concrete action.
