CHINA’S Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned today of “grave consequences” if the Middle East conflict escalates.

Mr Wang made the remarks during a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Mr Wang said: “The conflict in Iran has lasted for more than a month, causing enormous casualties and losses and affecting the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

“The urgent task is to focus on achieving a ceasefire and ending the conflict as soon as possible.”

Mr Wang warned that a continued escalation of the conflict could lead to continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor.

He said that “the actions of the United Nations security council must avoid escalating confrontation and must not legitimise unauthorised military actions otherwise the consequences will be disastrous and small and medium-sized countries will be the most affected.”

Ms Wang highlighted a five-point peace plan, proposed alongside Pakistan, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of Gulf states, halting attacks on civilians and non-military targets and ensuring the safety of maritime routes.

Mr Farhan said the conflict was having “serious impact” on “the region and the world,” saying that Riyadh “hopes to strengthen communication and co-ordination with China on platforms such as the UN to jointly promote de-escalation and end the conflict.”

Mr Wang, who has actively sought to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Iran, also spoke today with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who stressed the urgency of restoring traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and finding a diplomatic solution.

China, Iran’s largest trading partner and top oil buyer, has repeatedly condemned attacks on Iranian territory while also calling to “respect the sovereignty” of Gulf states, with which it maintains close economic and diplomatic ties.