China’s special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, told Bahrain’s foreign minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani today that the red line of civilian protection “must not be crossed.”
During the meeting in Manama, Zhai opposed the use of force as a first resort and called for regional problems to be resolved “through dialogue and consultation,” according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.
“Non-military targets such as energy, economic or livelihood infrastructure must not be struck,” nor should “the security of maritime routes be put at risk,” Zhai stressed — following attacks on several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the new Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s declaration that the waterway, through which around 20% of the world’s oil passes, would remain closed.
The special envoy praised the “calm, moderate and responsible attitude” demonstrated by Bahrain since the start of the conflict, a country that has suffered Iranian strikes in recent days in retaliation for the US and Israeli bombardment. The current escalation of tensions “benefits none of the parties,” Zhai said, also calling for “an immediate halt to military operations and to prevent the further spread of the conflict.”
Al Zayani stated that “Bahrain is a country committed to achieving regional peace, stability, development and prosperity through dialogue and reconciliation,” adding that it “must not be the target of unjustified attacks.” He called on Iran to “respond to the calls of the international community, immediately cease its attacks against the Arab states of the Gulf and ensure the security and unobstructed flow of international maritime routes.”
The Bahraini minister welcomed “the travelling mediation efforts of China’s special envoy in the region” and praised China’s “impartial stance,” expressing willingness to work together “to promote a swift ceasefire and restore regional stability and calm.”
The meeting adds to the series of contacts Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi has maintained in recent days with counterparts from several Middle Eastern countries and members of the international community, as part of Beijing’s diplomatic efforts to halt the escalation. Zhai, whose full meeting schedule in the region has not been disclosed, is conducting “active mediation” and maintaining contacts with all parties involved to promote de-escalation and a return to negotiations.
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The conflict has pitted Iran against the United States and Israel since February 28, when both countries launched strikes against Iranian territory, to which Tehran responded with offensives against several Gulf countries and US-linked positions in the region.
