China Calls on Iran, Israel to Return to Diplomatic Negotiations
(MENAFN) China has called for an immediate halt to hostilities between Israel and Iran, urging both nations to return to diplomatic negotiations and avoid further escalation in the Middle East.
Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the urgency of de-escalation. “The immediate priority is to cease hostilities, take effective measures to prevent further escalation, and avert greater instability in the region.
Returning to dialogue and negotiations for a political settlement reflects the broad consensus of the international community,” Guo said.
His comments come in the wake of a joint statement issued Monday by the foreign ministers of 21 countries, condemning Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian territory. The coalition of nations, spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, called for an end to regional tensions, a commitment to nuclear disarmament “without selectivity,” and adherence to international law.
The statement was endorsed by Türkiye, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Bahrain, Brunei, Chad, Gambia, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Egypt, and Mauritania.
China welcomed the joint declaration, with Guo saying Beijing “welcomes the joint statement by Egypt and other Arab, Islamic and African countries and commends their efforts to de-escalate the situation.”
Guo also voiced “deep concern” over reports that Iranian state television had been targeted by Israeli strikes. He called on all sides “to immediately take measures to cool down the tensions as soon as possible and prevent the region from falling into greater turmoil.”
A ceasefire and peace talks are “paramount urgency,” Guo added, stressing that “only dialogue and consultation can bring lasting peace.”
Separately, the Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a notice urging Chinese nationals to leave Israel “as soon as possible” due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation.
The latest surge in violence began Friday, when Israel launched a series of airstrikes against military and nuclear sites across Iran. Tehran responded with missile attacks that have intensified the conflict further.
According to Israeli officials, at least 24 people have died and hundreds have been wounded in Iran’s retaliatory strikes. Iranian authorities reported a much heavier toll, with at least 224 people killed and over 1,000 injured in the Israeli bombardments.
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