China rejects US criticism, urges 'end to military operations' in Middle East
China has pushed back against criticism from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with a spokesperson at the Chinese embassy blaming global fuel shortages on instability in the Middle East.
Liu Pengyu, speaking to Reuters, said “the tense situation in the Middle East” was driving disruptions and called for an immediate halt to military operations.
“The pressing task is to put an end to military operations at once and prevent the turmoil in the Middle East from further impacting the global economy,” Liu said.
Liu added that China has been working to de-escalate the conflict and would “continue playing a constructive role”.
His remarks come after President Xi Jinping outlined a four-point proposal aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, emphasising “peaceful coexistence”, “national sovereignty” and “international rule of law”, along with coordination between security and development efforts.