China to send special envoy to Middle East for mediation

China will dispatch a special envoy to the Middle East to pursue mediation efforts, Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on Wednesday during separate calls with his Saudi and Emirati counterparts, as tensions across the region continue to escalate.

According to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang informed both officials of Beijing’s decision to increase diplomatic engagement in response to the expanding war.

In a phone call with the Saudi foreign minister, Wang said China appreciates Riyadh’s restraint and its insistence on resolving disputes through peaceful means.

The call comes amid sources revealing Monday that an Iranian drone attack struck the Central Intelligence Agency station housed within the United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

If confirmed, the incident would mark a symbolic escalation by Iran as it targets US personnel and facilities across the region.

According to a report by The Washington Post, officials from both the United States and Saudi Arabia confirmed that two drones struck the embassy compound in Riyadh, but did not publicly disclose that the CIA station was among the affected facilities.

Beijing emphasized the importance of dialogue and de-escalation amid growing instability.

Protecting civilians, energy infrastructure
During a separate conversation with the UAE’s foreign minister, Wang stressed that the “red line” of protecting civilians in armed conflict must not be crossed.

He also underscored that non-military targets, including energy infrastructure, should not be attacked, and called for safeguarding maritime shipping routes.

The announcement signals China’s intention to play a more active diplomatic role as the regional war widens and global powers weigh their involvement.