China Cautions Middle East “First to Suffer” If Israel-Iran Tensions Rise
(MENAFN) China issued a stern warning on Monday, emphasizing that the Middle Eastern region would bear the brunt if hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify further.
At a live-streamed press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed Beijing’s grave concern over recent Israeli strikes targeting Iran, describing them as a sudden spike in military conflict.
“We call on parties to immediately take measures to ease the tensions as soon as possible, … prevent the region from falling into greater turmoil and create conditions for returning to right track for solving through dialogue and consultation,” Guo stressed.
He cautioned, “If the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, or even enlarge, the Middle Eastern countries will be the first to suffer.”
The statement arrives amid ongoing Israeli air raids launched last Friday against Iranian military and nuclear sites, which have sharply escalated tensions.
Data from the Iranian Health Ministry reports at least 224 fatalities and 900 wounded since the onset of Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials confirm that Iranian missile strikes have killed at least 13 people and injured over 370.
Guo underscored China’s stance against military force as a solution: “Force cannot bring lasting peace.” He advocated for settling disputes through diplomatic channels, reaffirming that “All international disputes should be settled through dialogue.”
He further pledged that China remains committed to open communication with all involved parties. Beijing advocates for a “peaceful settlement” of the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiation and diplomacy.
“We are willing to continue to maintain contact with all parties ... to promote political settlement of the issue and create a better environment for this,” Guo added.
This recent surge in conflict was triggered by Israel’s targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear and missile installations last Friday, which resulted in the deaths of military officials and scientists. Iran’s retaliatory missile launches have since inflicted casualties and damage in Israel.
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