Wang Yi calls for ceasefire, Hormuz reopening to secure peace in Middle East

China's top diplomat Wang Yi called on Tuesday for a comprehensive ceasefire, the restoration of normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and the rebuilding of mutual trust among countries in the Middle East, as the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran shifts toward dialogue.

Wang, the foreign minister, made the remarks in New Delhi during a meeting with Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, secretary-general of the Supreme National Security Council of the United Arab Emirates.

Since the conflict broke out, China and the United Arab Emirates have maintained close communication, Wang noted.

The conflict should not have happened in the first place and should be brought to an end as soon as possible, he stressed, adding that although the situation has finally turned toward dialogue, achieving genuine peace still depends on joint efforts from all parties.

Wang stressed that the most urgent task is to uphold a comprehensive ceasefire and faithfully implement the memorandum of understanding that was just signed. Although difficulties and disruptions may still arise, peace is now within reach, and all parties should seize the moment to help it take hold in the Middle East, he said.

He also called for the early restoration of normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the waterway as a lifeline for regional development and noting that keeping it open is the shared wish of the international community.

Looking beyond the immediate ceasefire, Wang called on countries in the region to draw lessons from repeated turmoil in the Middle East, rebuild mutual trust and explore a new regional security architecture suited to evolving circumstances.

The Middle East should not become an arena for major-power rivalry or a victim of geopolitics, Wang said, adding that China will continue to support the UAE in playing a constructive role in promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.

The UAE official spoke highly of China's image as a responsible major country and expressed sincere appreciation for China's active role in promoting a political settlement of the conflict in the Middle East.

The UAE is ready to maintain coordination with China, support efforts to achieve lasting regional peace through diplomatic channels, and safeguard the security of international shipping, industrial chains and supply chains, he added.

China has also stepped up diplomatic engagement since the conflict began. Wang has held more than 30 calls and meetings with foreign ministers and other senior officials from countries involved in or affected by the crisis.

In April, China put forward a four-point proposal on maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. China and Pakistan in March proposed a five-point initiative in Beijing for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East. China has also dispatched its special envoy for shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East and Gulf region.

Li Zixin, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, said China has maintained an impartial position by approaching the conflict on its merits, in line with international law and basic norms governing international relations.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, he said, China can continue to play an active role through multilateral mechanisms and speak out in a fair and just manner.

Li said the latest round of talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland did not mean the conflict was over, but marked a step toward implementing the memorandum, consolidating the cease-fire and opening negotiations on a final agreement.

The next phase, he said, will require talks on an equal footing, pragmatic engagement and restraint from all parties, especially those with direct influence over the conflict, to prevent the fragile momentum from being lost.