Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described the situation as a “grave humanitarian catastrophe” affecting multiple countries. He confirmed that China has decided to provide emergency humanitarian relief to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. According to Lin, the assistance is intended to help alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire, though specific details regarding the scale and form of the aid were not disclosed.
China, which maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, has consistently called on the United States and Israel to halt their military actions. At the same time, Beijing has also expressed concern over Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf nations that host U.S. military bases, indicating its broader emphasis on regional stability and de-escalation. The Chinese government has reiterated its position that continued hostilities risk further destabilizing West Asia and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
In recent weeks, China has intensified its diplomatic engagement in an effort to mediate tensions. Zhai Jun, China’s special envoy to the Middle East, has been actively involved in discussions with regional leaders, including talks with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, urging restraint and dialogue. Meanwhile, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has publicly stated that the conflict “should never have happened” and has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The announcement of humanitarian aid comes amid broader geopolitical developments linked to the conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump recently postponed a planned visit to Beijing, with officials indicating that the decision was influenced by the ongoing crisis. Washington has also urged China to play a role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies are transported.
The strategic waterway has been effectively closed following Iranian actions in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes, raising concerns about global energy security and economic stability. The disruption has heightened international pressure on key stakeholders, including China, to contribute to efforts aimed at restoring navigation and preventing further escalation.
As the conflict continues, China has emphasized that it will persist in its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. Officials have reiterated their commitment to diplomatic solutions, warning that prolonged military engagement could lead to wider regional instability and exacerbate the humanitarian impact on millions of people across West Asia.
