Chinese envoy says conflict in Gulf region serves no one's interests, urges ceasefire

China's special envoy for Middle East affairs on Tuesday reiterated the importance of a ceasefire and end to hostilities in the Gulf region, amid fears that the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel could lead to further destabilization.

During a meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Zhai Jun, who is on a tour to the Middle East, said China is deeply concerned about the regional situation. 

"Conflict and turmoil in the region serve no one's interests. A ceasefire remains the fundamental way out of the current predicament," he said, according to a readout of the meeting released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

China has always believed that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries in the Gulf region should be respected, and any attacks on civilians and non-military targets should be condemned, Zhai said.

UAE welcomes Chinese envoy's shuttle diplomacy

During the meeting, Abdullah said the UAE appreciates China's fair and just position, attaches great importance to China's significant role and welcomes the Chinese envoy's shuttle diplomacy in the region.

The UAE is ready to work with China to jointly promote the de-escalation of the situation, he said.

Abdullah gave a briefing on the current regional situation, and said the UAE, which is not a party to the war, has always been committed to maintaining regional peace and stability, and it should not be subjected to attacks.

The Chinese envoy noted that the UAE has responded calmly and with composure, adopting a responsible attitude of restraint, since the outbreak of the conflict.

China appreciates this and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the UAE to work together with all parties to promote an early ceasefire and end of hostilities, Zhai added.

During the visit, he also met with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the president of the UAE to China. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on further promoting the development of bilateral relations.

The Chinese envoy's visit came after he visited Saudi Arabia, where he met the Saudi foreign minister and the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council.