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China Urges Ceasefire in Middle East, Warns Prolonged Conflict Could Hit Global Growth
China calls for an end to US-Israel-Iran hostilities, warning that a prolonged Middle East war risks a global economic slowdown and weaker demand for Chinese exports.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-23
China Urges Ceasefire in Middle East, Warns Prolonged Conflict Could Hit Global Growth

China has urged all parties involved in the ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly United States and Israel, to halt military operations, warning that a prolonged war could create a “vicious cycle” with serious consequences for regional stability and the global economy.

Speaking after a shuttle-diplomacy trip that included stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, Chinese special envoy to the Middle East Zhai Jun stressed that “the one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it.” He said China would maintain close communication with all parties and make unremitting efforts to ease tensions and promote peace.

In a separate briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian cautioned that the use of force would only perpetuate conflict. “Should the hostilities continue to spread and intensify, the entire region will be plunged into chaos,” he said, criticizing the war as unnecessary and avoidable.

The warning comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, where Iranian attacks have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that carries one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Earlier, US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran to reopen the strait, threatening strikes on Iranian power plants if compliance was not met.

Economists highlight that a prolonged conflict could weigh on China’s export outlook, particularly to emerging markets that are heavily dependent on imported energy and sensitive to price spikes. “Weakening growth in China's emerging market trading partners will likely weigh on Chinese exports to these countries in the coming quarters,” said Hui Shan.

China itself is relatively insulated from the worst impacts, with coal accounting for around 60% of its energy mix, ample oil stockpiles, and limited reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for imports. Nonetheless, rising energy prices could drive inflation and affect producer prices. Goldman Sachs has lowered its forecast for China’s second-quarter growth while raising its inflation outlook for 2026.

When asked whether China had pressed Iran to ensure safe passage for Chinese vessels, Lin said Beijing remains engaged with all parties and is committed to efforts to de-escalate the crisis.
Tagged:

China

MiddleEast

StraitOfHormuz

GlobalEconomy

OilCrisis
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