China Contacts Four Foreign Ministers of Islamic Nations to Discuss Middle East Conflict
Beijing – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conducted telephone calls with four foreign ministers from Islamic nations—Kuwait, Bahrain, Pakistan, and Qatar—to discuss the developments in the Middle East situation.
In his telephone conversation with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Monday (9 March), Wang Yi expressed China’s appreciation for the consistent calls from Gulf nations for dialogue and negotiation.
“China will continue to strive for peace, and China’s special envoy on Middle East affairs has departed for the region to conduct mediation and will strengthen communication and exchange with Kuwait and other nations,” Wang Yi stated in a written statement from China’s Foreign Ministry.
Wang Yi noted that the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran whilst Iran-US negotiations were still ongoing and without UN authorisation, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. He emphasised that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Gulf nations must be fully respected, and all attacks on innocent civilians and non-military targets should be condemned.
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah explained the latest regional developments, stating that Kuwait is not a party to the war but remains affected by its consequences. “Gulf nations, including Kuwait, remain committed to resolving disputes through dialogue whilst maintaining their legitimate right to self-defence. Kuwait greatly appreciates China’s position and efforts, and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly promote the restoration of security and stability in the region,” Sheikh Jarrah said.
In his conversation with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Monday (9 March), Wang Yi expressed serious concern about the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Gulf region, including Bahrain’s security.
“As a strategic partner of Gulf nations and a responsible major power, China has actively promoted peace and the cessation of warfare. A way out of this impasse lies in the swift return to dialogue and negotiation to restore peace,” Wang Yi stated.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Al Zayani explained that Bahrain remains committed to peace and will not be the target of illegal attacks. “Bahrain is ready to cooperate with other Gulf nations to enhance communication and coordination with China on bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the UN, to achieve regional peace and stability as soon as possible,” Al Zayani said.
In his conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday (10 March), Wang Yi stated that China does not approve of attacks on Gulf nations and condemns all attacks on civilian facilities and innocent civilians.
“China appreciates Pakistan’s mediation efforts to ease regional tensions and is ready to maintain coordination and multilateral and bilateral cooperation with Pakistan, support Pakistan in continuing to play a constructive role, and jointly strive to restore peace and stability in the region as soon as possible,” Wang Yi said.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar outlined Pakistan’s position regarding the situation in Iran and urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the current crisis through peaceful negotiation. Both foreign ministers also exchanged views on the border conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“The primary priority is to prevent conflict escalation and return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, and China firmly supports Pakistan in its counter-terrorism efforts and hopes Pakistan will continue to make maximum efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan,” Wang Yi said.
Finally, in his conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Tuesday (10 March), Wang Yi stated that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China consistently upholds principles and defends justice in international affairs.
“The continuation of war will only bring losses, and will cause greater harm to all parties involved. China calls for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, a political resolution to this matter, and supports Gulf nations in taking control of the region’s future,” Wang Yi said.
Qatari Foreign Minister Al Thani emphasised that Qatar must take necessary self-defence measures whilst strengthening diplomatic efforts to prevent the spread and escalation of the crisis.
On the first day of US-Israel military action on 28 February 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed and a girls’ school in southern Iran was bombed. Iran estimates that the death toll from the attacks has reached more than 1,300 persons.