China's Urgent Call for Restraint at the UN
On January 28, 2026, China's Ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, delivered a strong warning against any new 'military adventure' in the Middle East during a session of the UN Security Council. Ambassador Fu underscored that the application of force would inevitably complicate existing problems and propel the region into an 'abyss of the unknown', posing significant risks to international peace and security.
Escalating Tensions Prompt Chinese Warning
The Chinese diplomat's remarks came amidst heightened political and military rhetoric and escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning the relationship between Israel and Iran, and broader US-Iran dynamics. Reports indicated that Israel had recently launched large-scale attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites, an operation dubbed 'Operation Rising Lion', which prompted retaliatory actions from Tehran. Fu Cong explicitly condemned Israel's actions, stating that they violated Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. He urged Israel to 'immediately stop all risky military actions to avoid further escalation of tensions'.
Emphasis on Diplomacy and International Law
Ambassador Fu reiterated China's consistent stance that 'the use of force cannot solve existing problems' and called on all parties to 'exercise maximum restraint and avoid any steps that could ignite a large-scale confrontation'. He stressed that such a confrontation would have dire consequences for the people of the region and the world. China emphasized that 'political and diplomatic solutions remain the only way to address the complex disputes in the Middle East' and highlighted the importance of adhering to the UN Charter and international law.
China's Broader Engagement in the Region
China has consistently advocated for a diplomatic approach to regional conflicts, often positioning itself as a mediator and promoting non-interference in the internal affairs of states. Beijing's engagement in the Middle East has increasingly focused on:
- Economic cooperation and development partnerships
- Facilitating dialogues between conflicting parties, such as its role in mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran
- Supporting a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
While China seeks to be a 'builder of peace and a promoter of stability' in the region, its warnings underscore a deep concern over the potential for widespread conflict and instability that could arise from further military actions.
5 Comments
Raphael
Good to see China upholding international law and calling for much-needed restraint.
Donatello
Strong and necessary warning. Respect for sovereignty and international law is paramount.
Raphael
While China's call for de-escalation is valid and necessary, their own human rights record and territorial claims complicate their moral authority on international law. It's hard to take their warnings at face value when they don't apply the same standards to themselves.
Donatello
It's true that military action often exacerbates problems, and China's emphasis on diplomacy is important. However, simply condemning one side without acknowledging the complex security concerns driving actions makes a truly balanced solution difficult to achieve.
Raphael
Empty words from a country that violates sovereignty constantly. They're not fooling anyone.