BEIJING, March 2 (APP): China has called on all sides to halt military actions and prevent further spread of current conflict in the Middle East, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.
Her comments followed Iran’s launch of missiles and drones targeting U.S. military facilities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and other locations. The strikes were described as retaliation for joint military attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.
Mao said the U.S. and Israel carried out the strikes without authorization from the UN Security Council, calling the action a violation of international law.
She noted that China is deeply concerned about the conflict’s spillover effects on neighboring countries and stressed that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all Gulf states must be respected.
China also welcomed the outcome of an extraordinary meeting of GCC foreign ministers, which underscored dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable paths to resolving the crisis and maintaining regional security.
Given the region’s complex and sensitive situation, Mao said China supports Middle Eastern countries in strengthening communication and coordination based on good-neighborly relations, with the shared goal of promoting peace and stability.
China was not notified in advance regarding the US military action, Mao said, in response to a media inquiry about whether China had any contact with the US during or prior to the US and Israel’s military strikes against Iran.