Amid fears that a potential retaliation by Israel against Iran could escalate into a full-blown war, China has expressed its stance, urging “all relevant parties to remain calm and restrained so that tensions do not escalate.”
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In a regular briefing held on the 15th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to a question about whether China would be dragged into the war if Israel continues to attack Iran and the war expands, “China urges calmness to prevent the escalation of tensions. We call for restraint.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also emphasized through a Q&A with reporters posted on its website the day before, “We express deep concern about the current situation where tensions are expanding,” and urged “relevant parties to maintain calmness and restraint to avoid escalating tensions.” It continued, “The gradual escalation of conflict is the most recent sign of the ripple effects from the Gaza conflict,” and also argued that “the top priority is to effectively implement UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and promptly suppress the Gaza conflict.”
UN Security Council Resolution 2728, adopted last month, calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the unconditional release of hostages.
China has a reasonably friendly relationship with Iran. Even when Iran and Pakistan clashed earlier this year, exchanging airstrikes within their territories, China stepped in to mediate. It can be seen that China has sought stability in the Middle East issue because if the Middle East situation worsens, including the Red Sea issue, the Chinese economy will inevitably be hit. Nevertheless, when it’s crucial, China can be seen as supporting Iran. The same can be said for Iran.
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