China reiterates call for immediate stop to military operations against Iran
Beijing, March 4
China has reiterated its call for an immediate stop to military operations against Iran, saying that no country has the right to dominate international affairs, dictate the destiny of others, monopolise development advantages, or impose its will on the world, according to China Daily.
According to China Daily, Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, said at a news conference ahead of the opening of its annual session on Wednesday that, "China maintains that mutual respect and equality between all countries, big or small, is what progress through history demands and also the primary principle of the United Nations Charter."
Earlier on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart that Beijing supports Tehran in defending itself against strikes by the United States and Israel, as the conflict in the Middle East widened further, Al Arabiya English reported.
Citing Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Al Arabiya English reported that Wang told Abbas Araghchi that Beijing "cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Iran, supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and supports Iran in protecting its legitimate rights and interests."
Wang also urged the US and Israel to halt military operations. China had "urged the US and Israel to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading to the entire Middle East region," he said, according to CCTV.
In a separate phone call with Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, Wang accused the United States and Israel of "violating the purposes and principles of the UN charter" by "deliberately instigating a war against Iran".
"China is also willing to play a constructive role, including upholding justice, striving for peace, and stopping the war through the platform of the UN Security Council," Wang told Albusaidi, as cited by CCTV.
According to Al Arabiya English, in another conversation with France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Wang warned that the world risked a "regression to the law of the jungle".
"Major powers cannot arbitrarily attack other countries based on their military superiority," Wang said, according to CCTV. He added that "the Iranian nuclear issue must ultimately return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see China positioning itself as a peacemaker. But we must remember their own actions in the South China Sea. The principle of respecting sovereignty should apply universally, not selectively.
As an Indian, I'm concerned about any conflict that disrupts global stability and energy prices. We rely on the Middle East for oil. Hope diplomacy prevails. The UNSC must act.
The "law of the jungle" comment hits hard. Big powers throwing their weight around is a real problem. India has always stood for peaceful resolution of disputes. This escalation helps no one.
China talking about peace while being Pakistan's all-weather friend and supporting cross-border terrorism in our region? Bit rich, no? Their words and actions often don't match. Just saying.
Regardless of the messenger, the message is correct. No nation should dominate others. The US and Israel should indeed halt operations. The risk of a wider regional war is too high.
This affects us directly. So many Indian citizens work in the Gulf. Their safety is paramount. Our government should also advocate strongly for de-escalation and protection of Indian lives abroad.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.