Iran-Israel conflict: China echoes India’s call for diplomacy in Iran war, offers to mediate peace

China joins India urging diplomacy in Iran war

China has joined India in urging a diplomatic solution to the war involving Iran and the wider military tensions in West Asia, signalling Beijing’s willingness to play a mediating role as the conflict deepens.

Speaking this week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing was ready to help de-escalate the situation and called on all sides to show restraint. He noted that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had been in touch with several leaders across the Gulf region as part of ongoing diplomatic outreach.

Among those contacted was UAE Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the conversation, Wang Yi expressed China’s support for the UAE in safeguarding its national security and said Beijing backs Gulf countries seeking to resolve the crisis through dialogue rather than military confrontation.

In a message posted by his office on X, he warned that the conflict risks spiralling further. “… spillover of war is not in the interest of any party, and only the people will suffer.”

Reinforcing Beijing’s position, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, “China will not give up hope for peace and will continue to play a constructive role,” adding that a special envoy would soon be dispatched to help promote a return to negotiations.

Chinese FM Wang Yi held a phone conversation with the Deputy PM and FM of the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.The spillover of war is not in the interests of any party, and only the people of the region will suffer. China supports the UAE’s legitimate demands for… pic.twitter.com/wpYD5F4qn6

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) March 5, 2026

Wang Yi also spoke to Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, commending Riyadh’s restraint — particularly after drone attacks on the key Ras Tanura oil refinery — and its continued support for a peaceful resolution. “The spreading and escalating conflict… affecting Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, is not what China wishes.”

Chinese FM Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.The spreading and escalating conflict in the Middle East, affecting Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, is not what China wishes to see. China appreciates Saudi Arabia’s restraint and its… pic.twitter.com/nrPQotlDQo

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) March 5, 2026

Beyond the Gulf, Wang held conversations with counterparts in Russia, Oman and France, as well as officials in Iran and Israel, as Beijing seeks to position itself as a diplomatic intermediary.

Meanwhile, China has begun evacuating its citizens from the conflict zone, with the government confirming that more than 3,000 nationals have already been moved out of Iran.

India calls for end to fighting

India has also renewed its appeal for an early end to the war. On Tuesday, New Delhi expressed concern over the mounting death toll, with more than 1,000 people — including 181 children — reported killed so far, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the need for diplomacy during a joint press conference with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb. “India believes in the rule of law… only military conflict cannot solve any issue… Ukraine or West Asia.”

War spreads across the region

The crisis began on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The attack triggered a wave of retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting US military bases and embassies across the region, as well as oil refineries and Amazon cloud data centres.

The escalation has angered neighbouring Arab states including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Hostilities have also spread beyond the Gulf. Iran-backed Hezbollah launched drone strikes on a British airbase in Cyprus, prompting NATO members such as France, the United Kingdom and Greece to deploy warships in the region.

The conflict edged closer to South Asia on Wednesday night when an Iranian naval vessel, the Iris Dena, was attacked and sunk by a US submarine off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, far from the Persian Gulf where most of the fighting has taken place.

Iran condemned the strike, accusing Washington of attacking the vessel while it was a “guest of India”. However, New Delhi later clarified that the Iris Dena had only held that status until February 25 — three days before the war began.

Fighting continued into its sixth day on Thursday, with the US, Israel and Iran exchanging missiles and drone attacks. Iranian news agency Tasnim reported explosions in Tehran, while Iranian missile launches triggered alerts across several parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv.