China warns Middle East at ‘critical juncture’ after Trump extends ceasefire

InternationalChina warns Middle East at 'critical juncture' after Trump extends ceasefireBy AFP -Apr 22, 2026BEIJING: China warned on Wednesday that the situation in the Middle East was at a “critical juncture” after US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire to allow Iran more time to negotiate. Trump indefinitely pushed back the end of the two-week truce on Tuesday with Tehran yet to respond but he said a US blockade of Iran’s ports would continue. “The current regional situation stands at a critical juncture transitioning between war and peace; the paramount priority remains to make every effort to prevent a resumption of hostilities,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news briefing. Guo did not comment directly on the ceasefire when asked about it, adding only that Beijing would continue to play a “constructive” role.