China will soon send a special envoy to countries in the Middle East and surrounding regions to promote dialogue and ease tensions amid continuing conflicts in Yemen and the Red Sea, and growing concerns over wider regional instability, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

Guo made the announcement at a regular news briefing in response to a question about the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and the Gulf, including reports of possible renewed military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran.

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The envoy will visit countries in the region and hold talks with relevant parties to encourage dialogue, help de-escalate tensions and prevent the situation from deteriorating further, he said.

China is closely following developments in the Middle East, the Gulf, the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa and is deeply concerned about the prolonged hostilities and their spillover effects, Guo said.

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He called on all parties concerned to resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiations, and to work toward an early, sustainable ceasefire and an end to hostilities.

Guo said China would continue to work with the international community to make sustained efforts toward restoring peace and stability to the region.