China has urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict, particularly the U.S. and Israel, to cease military operations, warning of a “vicious cycle.’’

“The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it,” said Chinese special envoy to the Middle East Zhai Jun at a briefing after his shuttle-diplomacy trip that included stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

China will maintain close communication with all parties concerned and make unremitting efforts to ease tensions and promote regional peace and stability, he said.

In a separate briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian cautioned that the use of force would only lead to a “vicious cycle” and that the war should not have been started.

“Should the hostilities continue to spread and intensify, the entire region will be plunged into chaos,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday imposed a 48-hour deadline on Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, threatening to destroy Iranian power plants otherwise.

Iranian attacks have effectively closed the key waterway, which carries a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas, ‌causing the worst oil crisis since the 1970s.

Analysts have said that if the war is prolonged, it could undermine global growth and weaken demand for Chinese exports.

While Beijing did not detail its concerns, a prolonged conflict could weigh on China’s export outlook.

Emerging markets, key drivers of Chinese export growth, are particularly vulnerable due to limited oil reserves and sensitivity to rising energy costs.

Goldman Sachs’s Hui Shan said in a report about the current near-term risks to China’s economy that “weakening growth in China’s emerging market trading partners will likely weigh on Chinese exports to these countries in the coming quarters.’’

China is better positioned to absorb higher oil prices, with coal accounting for about 60 per cent of its energy mix, ample oil stockpiles, and imports via the Strait of Hormuz, which represent only around five per cent of total energy consumption.

Still, rising oil and gas prices could lift inflation and end producer price deflation, according to the chief China economist.

The bank has cut its forecast for China’s second-quarter growth and raised its 2026 inflation outlook.

Asked whether China had pressed Iran to ensure safe passage for Chinese vessels and oil shipments through the strait, Mr Lin said.

Beijing remains in communication with all parties and is committed to easing tensions.

(Reuters/NAN)