China will continue mediating to push for a ceasefire ‌and an end to fighting in the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, adding ⁠the war should never have happened and had no reason to continue, Reuters reported citing a foreign ministry statement.

Wang Yi made the remarks ‌on ⁠Wednesday during a meeting in Beijing with the UAE presidential special envoy to ⁠China, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, in which he also voiced support ⁠for the UAE in safeguarding its sovereignty ⁠and security, according to Reuters. 

The U.S. and Israel launched what they described as a pre-emptive strike against Iran on February 28, claiming that Tehran was developing a nuclear weapon and posed a threat—an allegation Iran has denied. In response, Iran launched counterattacks, firing missiles and drones at Israel, as well as at U.S. assets and other targets across the Middle East.