China warns of 'vicious cycle' if war escalates in Middle East

China warns that continued Middle East hostilities near the Strait of Hormuz could plunge the region into chaos, calling for an immediate return to negotiations.

Reuters

March 23, 2026

China warns of 'vicious cycle' if war escalates in Middle East

Iranian missiles fly towards Israel, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, as seen from Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, March 23, 2026.

Mussa Qawasma/Reuters

China on Monday urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz to end military operations to prevent a "vicious cycle" and return to negotiations.

"Should hostilities continue to escalate and the situation deteriorate further, the entire region will be plunged into chaos," the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said when responding to a question about U.S. President Donald Trump pressuring Iran to reopen the key shipping waterway.

"The use of force will only lead to a vicious cycle," he said adding that the war should not have begun in the first place.

-Reporting by Liz Lee and Beijing newsroom; Writing by Jessie Pang; Editing by Jacqueline Wong/Reuters