After Putin, now Xi says ready to mediate peace between Israel and Iran

After Russian President Vladimir Putin called President Donald Trump and offered his mediation services in the Iran-Israel conflict, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for de-escalation in tensions, stating that Beijing is ready to “play a constructive role” in promoting peace.

“All parties should work to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible and avoid further escalation of tensions,” Xinhua reported Xi as saying on Tuesday.

“China stands ready to work with all parties to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.”

Xi, who is in Astana, Kazakhstan, to attend China-Central Asia Summit, said during talks with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev that, “Israel’s military actions against Iran have led to a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which deeply concerns China”.

“We oppose any actions that infringe upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of other countries. Military conflict is not the solution to problems, and rising regional tensions do not align with the common interests of the international community,” the Chinese leader said.

As fears mount over broader regional conflict, China has begun evacuating its nationals from Iran and Israel, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday.

Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said some Chinese citizens had already been relocated to neighbouring countries, though he did not provide specifics.

“The ministry and embassies are making every effort to protect the safety of Chinese nationals in Iran and Israel and to swiftly organise the evacuation of Chinese nationals,” South China Morning Post quoted Guo as saying at a daily press briefing.

“(We have asked) both governments to effectively ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and institutions, issue timely reminders and guidelines, maintain close contact with Chinese nationals, guide them to take precautions and actively help those who are evacuating,” Guo added.

The evacuation comes as international calls for de-escalation intensify.

In a joint statement led by Egypt, 21 Arab and Muslim nations on Monday condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran and urged restraint.

Meanwhile, G7 leaders, meeting in Canada, called for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defence and stressing that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

President Trump abruptly left the G7 summit on Monday after posting online that “everyone should immediately evacuate (Iranian capital) Tehran,” and urging Iran to agree to a nuclear deal.

Responding to the remarks, Guo criticised the rhetoric, saying, “Fanning flames, pouring oil, making threats and mounting pressure will not help to promote the de-escalation of the situation, but will only intensify and widen the conflict.”

He urged countries with influence over Israel to act responsibly and help prevent further escalation.

The conflict, sparked by Israel’s ongoing ‘Operation Rising Lion’, has seen direct attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites since Friday.

Several high-ranking Iranian officials and nuclear scientists have reportedly been killed, prompting Iranian retaliatory strikes. Civilian casualties have been reported on both sides, amid rising global concern over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has condemned Israel’s actions as an “unacceptable” breach of international law and has urged both parties to resolve differences through dialogue. The Foreign Ministry has reiterated this stance, advocating for “a path to peaceful coexistence.”

On Tuesday, China’s embassy in Israel urged nationals to exit via land borders, recommending the route through Jordan.

“Israeli airspace remains closed, and the government has extended the national state of emergency until June 30,” the embassy said.

With inputs from agencies