China calls for diplomatic resolution as Middle East tensions escalate

China has called for a diplomatic solution to rising tensions in the Middle East, warning that military action will only deepen instability in the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a briefing that the recent escalation between Iran and Israel underscored the limits of military approaches, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“Facts have proven that the military approach cannot solve the problem. The frequent use of force will only make the issue more complicated,” Lin said. He added that negotiations were at a critical stage and urged all sides to avoid actions that could trigger further confrontation.

Lin stressed that China supports respect for the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of regional states, and called on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and remain committed to a political and diplomatic settlement. He said Beijing would continue to play a role in efforts to restore stability in the region.

In a separate briefing, Lin also criticised the United States over its treatment of Chinese companies, following Washington’s decision to include several firms in a list of entities it says are linked to the Chinese military.

The spokesperson accused the US of broadening the definition of national security and using it to justify restrictions on Chinese businesses.

“China consistently and firmly opposes the US expanding the concept of national security, creating discriminatory lists under various pretexts, and unjustifiably suppressing Chinese enterprises,” he said.

Lin called on Washington to correct what he described as a mistake and to stop applying pressure on Chinese companies. He added that China would take steps to defend the lawful rights and interests of its firms.

The US Department of Defence recently added several Chinese companies, including Alibaba, Baidu and BYD, to its list of “Chinese military companies”.

The Pentagon said firms on the list are barred from contracting with the US Department of Defence, though inclusion does not automatically trigger sanctions. The list, maintained since 2021, now includes more than 100 Chinese companies across sectors such as technology, aviation and logistics.