China has intensified calls for peace in the Middle East following Israel’s large-scale airstrikes in Lebanon this week, with tensions threatening to spiral further after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict took a grim turn as Lebanon declared April 9, 2026, a national day of mourning for victims of the attacks.
“Lebanon’s sovereignty and security must be respected,” stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a press briefing Thursday. She emphasized that civilian lives and infrastructure “must be protected at all costs,” urging all parties to “remain calm and prioritize dialogue.”
China will continue efforts to ease tensions and help restore peace through political solutions.
The strikes, which targeted over 100 sites in Lebanon within 10 minutes on Wednesday, have drawn global concern. Iran condemned the action as a violation of ceasefire terms, escalating regional friction. Analysts warn the Strait of Hormuz closure could disrupt global oil supplies, adding economic stakes to the crisis.
Mao reiterated China’s stance on resolving disputes through diplomacy, aligning with its broader push for a “long-term stability framework” in the Gulf region. As of today, no direct mediation talks have been announced, but Beijing confirmed it’s engaging with multiple stakeholders behind the scenes.
