China Finally Enters the Middle East, to Handle Iran and Gulf States

China has announced it will channel emergency humanitarian aid to several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, amid ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel that has entered its third week.

At a press conference on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the conflict has triggered serious humanitarian impacts in the region. However, he did not specify the form or value of aid to be disbursed.

“China has decided to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. It is hoped this will help alleviate the humanitarian suffering faced by local populations,” Lin said, according to AFP.

Beijing, known as a close partner of Tehran, previously urged the United States and Israel to cease attacks on Iran. Simultaneously, China has criticised Iranian retaliatory action against Gulf states hosting US military bases.

Lin emphasised that China will continue to push for peaceful efforts to halt the conflict, which risks widening the crisis.

“China will continue to make every effort to promote peace and stop war, and to prevent further spread of the humanitarian crisis,” he said.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing in Beijing. China’s special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has met with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister to discuss de-escalation measures.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assessed that the war could have been avoided from the outset and called for an end to hostilities.

The geopolitical dynamics are also affecting global relations. US President Donald Trump has reportedly delayed his visit to Beijing amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The White House is also said to be pressing China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies pass. Iran reportedly closed this route in response to attacks by the United States and Israel, triggering concerns about global energy supplies.