Zhai Jun (second left), special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Saudi Arabia, March 8, 2026. (Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry)

Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, on Sunday expressed deep concern over rising tensions in the Middle East region, stressing that promoting peace and ending hostilities is the fundamental way out of the current predicament.

Zhai made the remarks during a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The Chinese envoy urged all parties to immediately halt military operations to prevent further escalation and avoid causing greater harm to the people of countries in the region.

He emphasized that China has consistently maintained that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations must be upheld.

The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of countries in the Gulf region must not be violated, and any attacks on innocent civilians and non-military targets should be condemned, Zhai said.

As a major country committed to fairness and justice and as a good friend and partner of Saudi Arabia, China will continue to play a constructive role, Zhai said, adding that China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to engage all parties and make unremitting efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the Gulf region.

The Saudi foreign minister pointed out that the Middle East is facing an unprecedented crisis, with the flames of war spreading to Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, posing a serious threat to regional stability and affecting global energy supplies and shipping security.

Saudi Arabia is fully aware of the dangers of escalation and spillover of the conflict and has exercised maximum restraint, he said.

He also expressed appreciation for China's consistent commitment to fairness and justice, and voiced hope that China will continue to play a positive role in promoting a ceasefire and preventing further deterioration of the regional situation.