Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday said the war in the Middle East “should not have happened” and “does no one any good.”

Speaking at a news conference during the annual “Two Sessions” in Beijing, he called for an immediate halt to military operations to prevent escalation and spillover of the situation.

Wang said China’s position is “objective and impartial,” adding that force is no solution and armed conflict only deepens hatred and breeds new crises.

"Ancient Chinese wisdom warns that weapons are ominous tools and should not be used without discretion," he said.

"Seeing the Middle East engulfed in flames, I want to say that this is a war that should not have happened. It is a war does no one any good."

He added that the abuse of force must be rejected.

"Might does not make right. The law of the jungle must not return and rule the world. Wilful use of force does not prove one's strengths. Civilians are innocent and should not be victimised," he said.

Wang Yi urged a “right and proper” solution based on respect for state sovereignty and non‑interference in internal affairs.

He called on all sides to quickly return to the negotiating table and resolve differences through dialogue.

On relations between China and the United States, Wang said Beijing and Washington must manage their differences.

He noted a slate of high-level exchanges between the two countries were already on the table this year.

He said both sides should make thorough preparations, create a suitable environment, and "remove unnecessary disruptions".

"China is always committed and open. It is critical that the US work in the same direction," he said.

"I believe that when the two sides treat each other with sincerity and good faith, we will be able to lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems."

He said he believes the two countries could reach consensus welcomed worldwide and make 2026 a landmark year for the stable and sustainable development of Sino-US relations.


Edited by Tony Sabine