China enters diplomatic arena in Iran conflict, signals mediation push with special envoy

He also called for protecting the safety of shipping routes.

China will send a special envoy to the Middle East for mediation, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Saudi Arabian and UAE counterparts on Wednesday according to statements from his ministry, as conflict in the region continued to escalate.

China appreciates Saudi Arabia's restraint and insistence on resolving differences through peaceful means, Wang was quoted as saying in a phone call with the Saudi minister by the Chinese ministry.

In a separate phone call with the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Wang said the "red line" of protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed, and that non-military targets, including those involving energy, should not be attacked. He also called for protecting the safety of shipping routes.