China has issued a strong call for an immediate halt to military operations in the Middle East, warning that escalating conflict risks deepening global fuel shortages and destabilizing already fragile economic systems.
Speaking in Washington, DC, Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu pushed back against mounting criticism from the United States, instead attributing the current energy volatility to intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region.
“The pressing task is to put an end to military operations at once and prevent the turmoil in the Middle East from further impacting the global economy,” Liu said in remarks to Reuters.
His comments come amid sharp criticism from Scott Bessent, who accused China of being an “unreliable global partner,” alleging that Beijing has been stockpiling oil reserves and restricting exports of key goods. The accusations reflect growing friction between the world’s two largest economies over supply chains and energy security.
China, however, has sought to reposition itself as a stabilizing force, arguing that the root cause of supply disruptions lies in conflict rather than commerce. According to Beijing, continued hostilities in the Middle East—a region responsible for a significant share of global oil production—pose a direct threat to international markets.
Earlier this week, Xi Jinping unveiled a four-point proposal aimed at restoring peace and long-term stability in the region. The framework emphasizes:
Peaceful coexistence among nations
Respect for national sovereignty
Adherence to international law
Coordinated efforts linking security with economic development
Analysts interpret the proposal as part of China’s broader diplomatic strategy to expand its influence in global conflict resolution, particularly in energy-critical regions.
The Middle East remains central to global oil supply chains, and any sustained disruption has immediate ripple effects—from rising fuel prices to inflationary pressures in import-dependent economies such as Kenya.
China’s call for de-escalation underscores growing international concern that prolonged instability could trigger a wider economic slowdown. While Beijing insists it is playing a “constructive role,” critics in Washington remain sceptical of its intentions, highlighting a widening divide in how major powers interpret both the causes and solutions to the crisis.
The unfolding situation places renewed pressure on global leaders to find a diplomatic solution before economic consequences spiral further. With competing narratives emerging from Washington and Beijing, the path to consensus remains uncertain.
Still, China’s message is clear: without an immediate ceasefire, the cost of conflict may extend far beyond the battlefield—into the heart of the global economy.
