Xi Jinping urges calm as Israel-Iran conflict escalates, offers China’s support for peace efforts
Earlier on Tuesday, China’s foreign ministry confirmed that the country had started evacuating its citizens from both Israel and Iran.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all sides in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict to exercise restraint and work towards de-escalation, calling for immediate efforts to prevent the situation from worsening.
Xi confirmed that China is prepared to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, according to a statement released by the state-run Xinhua news agency.
More To Read
- UN: Don't allow Israel-Iran conflict to spark new refugee crisis
- The Middle East is a major flight hub – How do airlines keep passengers safe during conflict?
- Jordan’s King Abdullah warns Israel-Iran war threatens global stability, urges urgent global action
- Energy shock returns: Oil prices soar as Iran-Israel tensions shake global economy
- Several injured in Iran's retaliatory missile attacks on Israel
- UN chief condemns military escalation in Middle East
“All parties should work to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible and avoid further escalation of tensions,” Xi said on Tuesday.
“China stands ready to work with all parties to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Xi made the remarks during talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.
“Israel’s military actions against Iran have led to a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which deeply concerns China,” Xi stated.
“We oppose any actions that infringe upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of other countries. Military conflict is not the solution to problems, and rising regional tensions do not align with the common interests of the international community,” he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, China’s foreign ministry confirmed that the country had started evacuating its citizens from both Israel and Iran. The ministry added that China was also pushing for a ceasefire amid ongoing hostilities.
Fighting between Israel and Iran has entered its fifth day.
The current conflict escalated on Friday when Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes targeting sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities.
Iran responded with retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli territory.
According to Israeli authorities, at least 24 people have died and hundreds have been injured as a result of Iranian missile attacks.
On the other side, Iranian officials reported that at least 224 people have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded during the Israeli airstrikes.
Top Stories Today
