China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian shared details of a phone call between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani as tensions in the Gulf region continue to rise. Posting on X, Lin Jian said both sides discussed the escalating situation, emphasizing that the immediate priority is to halt military operations to prevent the conflict from widening. He noted that progress can only be achieved by returning to dialogue and negotiations as quickly as possible to restore peace.

Lin also said China has been actively pushing for a ceasefire and peace in the region, adding that the Chinese government’s Special Envoy on Middle East affairs is currently visiting countries across the region to promote de-escalation. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement on the March 9 call, Zayani briefed Wang Yi on Bahrain’s perspective and the current regional developments. He said Bahrain values peace and believes it should not face unlawful attacks. Zayani also expressed appreciation for China’s balanced approach and said Bahrain is ready to work with Gulf countries to strengthen communication and coordination with China on bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, to help restore regional peace and stability. He also assured that Bahrain will continue taking steps to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country.

Wang Yi expressed China’s serious concern over the rapidly escalating situation in the Gulf, noting that Bahrain’s security is also being affected. He reiterated that China firmly supports respect for the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all nations and strongly condemns attacks on civilians and non military targets.

Wang Yi stressed that the most urgent step is an immediate halt to military actions to stop the conflict from spreading further. He added that the way forward lies in restarting dialogue and negotiations and ultimately returning to international law and the basic principles governing international relations.

Reaffirming China’s position, Wang Yi said that as a strategic partner of Gulf countries and a responsible global power, China has consistently supported peace and an end to hostilities. He noted that China’s special envoy on Middle East affairs is currently traveling across the region and will also visit Bahrain. The discussion highlights China’s continued diplomatic efforts to encourage de escalation in the Middle East, with Beijing actively engaging regional governments to promote peace and stability.