China has issued a stark warning that escalating military actions in the Middle East could spiral into an “uncontrollable situation,” following renewed threats by Donald Trump against Iran.
Speaking on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian cautioned that continued use of force in the region risks deepening instability, particularly as tensions rise around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
“If the war expands further and the situation deteriorates again, the entire region could be plunged into an uncontrollable situation,” Lin said during a press briefing.
His remarks came after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran, demanding a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz a critical global energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
The U.S. president warned that failure to comply would result in strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, including power plants.
The ongoing conflict, which has intensified since U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran last month, has already disrupted shipping in the narrow waterway and rattled global energy markets.
China, one of the largest importers of Middle Eastern oil, has expressed growing concern over the implications for global energy security and its own economic interests.
Lin stressed that military confrontation would only fuel a “vicious cycle” of retaliation.
While Beijing maintains close ties with Tehran, it has also taken a balanced stance, stating it does not support Iranian strikes on Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases.
Instead, China has consistently called for restraint and a ceasefire.
Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Beijing deploying its Middle East envoy, Zhai Jun, to engage regional actors and push for de-escalation.
Earlier, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the conflict as one that “should never have happened,” urging all sides to halt hostilities and return to dialogue.
Trump, who had been scheduled to visit Beijing this month, postponed the trip to manage the escalating crisis.
He has also called on China and other global powers to help ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, though Beijing has yet to formally respond to that appeal.
With tensions rising and global stakes mounting, China’s warning highlights fears that the conflict could widen beyond its current scope with potentially far-reaching consequences for regional stability and the global economy.
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