Chicago – March 22, 2026
China called for an end to the war in the Middle East on Friday, warning of the impact on global energy, shipping and trade, with the nearly three-week-old conflict showing no sign of slowing.
“History and reality have repeatedly shown the world that force is not the solution to problems and armed conflict will only breed new hatred,” Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said when asked whether Beijing had a message for Muslim communities as they mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The “still widening war” in the Middle East harms the common interests of all countries, Lin said, repeating Beijing’s position that all sides in the Gulf conflict should cease fighting and that energy flows from the region should be unimpeded.
