China has announced plans to deliver emergency humanitarian assistance to several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran and Lebanon, as the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel enters its third week.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by China’s Foreign Ministry, which said the aid would also extend to Jordan and Iraq, all of which have been affected by the escalating violence in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian described the situation as a “grave humanitarian catastrophe,” noting that civilians across multiple countries are facing worsening conditions due to the conflict.
“China has decided to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. It is hoped this will help alleviate the humanitarian plight faced by the local populations,” Lin said, without disclosing further details about the scale or form of the aid.
He added that Beijing would continue efforts to promote peace and prevent the crisis from escalating further.
China Pushes for De-escalation
China, a close partner of Iran, has consistently called for restraint from all sides. While urging the United States and Israel to halt their strikes on Iran, Beijing has also criticised Tehran’s attacks on Gulf states hosting US military bases.
China has stepped up diplomatic engagement, with its Middle East envoy Zhai Jun recently holding talks with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister to encourage de-escalation.
Meanwhile, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, reiterated that the war “should never have happened” and called for an immediate end to hostilities.
Tensions Affect Global Diplomacy
The humanitarian aid announcement comes amid broader geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict.
Donald Trump, President of the United States, recently postponed a planned visit to Beijing due to the ongoing war, according to the White House.
Washington has also been urging China to assist efforts to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route through which roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply typically passes.
The waterway has been effectively closed by Iran in response to US and Israeli strikes, contributing to rising global energy prices and increasing concern over the economic impact of the conflict.
As the war continues, international attention is increasingly focused on both humanitarian relief efforts and diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing a broader regional crisis.
