China on Wednesday reiterated its call on Washington and Tehran to stop escalating tensions after the US launched fresh attacks on Iran.
“China is deeply concerned” over the latest situation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday that American forces launched air strikes against Iranian military targets in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter on Monday.
Read: Iran will ‘not hesitate to exercise’ right to self-defence: foreign ministry
Later, Iran’s military headquarters said early Wednesday that attacks had been launched on some US bases in the region in response to American strikes on southern Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US opted to test Tehran’s determination.
However, Lin called on the warring sides to “remain calm, exercise restraint, stop escalating tensions, take concrete actions to ease tensions.”
Lin asked the US and Iran to use political and diplomatic means toward “early realisation of a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.”
Military action no solution, China tells US, Israel and Iran amid Mideast conflict
China on Tuesday said the use of military force by the US, Israel, and Iran has “proven” that it cannot solve any problem, stressing a diplomatic solution to disputes.
The US-Israeli conflict with Iran, “which has dragged on for over three months, has dealt a severe blow to nations in the Gulf region,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.
Lin said: “Facts have proven military means cannot solve any problem and arbitrary use of force will only complicate the issues.”
He was reacting to reports of Israeli violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon despite the US pressing Tel Aviv against strikes.
“The Iran-US negotiations are at a crucial stage at the moment. No party should reignite military conflict,” said Lin, calling for respect to the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern nations.
Read More: Trump says talks with Iran remain ongoing with deal possible in 2 or 3 days
“China calls on relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint, stop any confrontational action that may escalate the conflict, take concrete action to cool down the situation, resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, and work for an early comprehensive and lasting ceasefire,” he said.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneAnadolu AgencyRead More