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China is sending a special envoy across the Middle East as Beijing warns that prolonged conflict is threatening to spill from the Gulf into the Red Sea and Horn of Africa. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing was “deeply concerned” and called for dialogue, negotiations and a sustainable ceasefire. The envoy will visit countries in the region to communicate with the parties, promote talks and prevent further deterioration. The initiative comes amid renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, warnings of possible fresh US military action against Iran and Iranian threats of a powerful response. Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye also met Iranian leaders in Tehran this week in a separate effort focused on de-escalation. For China, the stakes extend beyond diplomacy. Instability increasingly threatens strategic waterways linking the Gulf, Bab al-Mandeb, Red Sea and Suez Canal — while Beijing also maintains major economic interests and a military support base in Djibouti.