March 9, 2026

China on Sunday pledged to strengthen coordination with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to push for a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, warning that the current situation is "highly complex and sensitive."

Zhai Jun, China's special envoy for Middle East affairs, made the commitment during a meeting with GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia.

Zhai urged all parties to immediately bring about a ceasefire and end hostilities, prevent further escalation of tensions, and return to the path of negotiation as soon as possible, according to a readout of the meeting released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-03-09/China-to-work-with-GCC-to-de-escalate-Middle-East-tensions-says-envoy-1Ln9kHXz0ze/p.html