US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told the UN Security Council that he will work with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, to prevent the conflict in the Middle East from spreading when they meet later this week, Reuters reports.

“Members of this council, and permanent members in particular, have a special responsibility to prevent this conflict from spreading,” Blinken said, warning Iran and its proxies in the region not to open up more fronts in the war.

“I look forward to continuing to work with my counterpart from the People’s Republic of China to do precisely that, when he visits Washington later this week,” he said.

Washington does not seek conflict with Iran, Blinken said, but warned that it would act swiftly and decisively if Tehran or its proxies attack US personnel anywhere.

Blinken is expected to meet with Wang on Thursday afternoon. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said the Chinese minister would also meet with Sullivan and Blinken on Friday.