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China Warns Against Middle East Escalation as Trump Sets Iran Deadline

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has warned that prolonged conflict and further escalation in the Middle East are in no one's interest, urging all parties to work constructively for peace talks. Her comments follow a severe ultimatum from former US President Donald Trump, who set a deadline for Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump threatened a massive bombing campaign targeting Iran's power plants and bridges if it failed to comply, aiming to force a deal to end the war. He stated the goal was to leave key infrastructure destroyed, pushing the country into a "stone age" condition.

Key Points: China Urges Peace as Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran

  • China calls for constructive role in peace talks
  • Trump sets deadline for Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz
  • Ultimatum threatens destruction of Iranian infrastructure
  • Warning aims to force a deal to end hostilities
2 min read

"Prolonged war" and "further escalation" in Middle East serve no one's interests: Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning

Chinese FM spokesperson calls for de-escalation amid Trump's threat to bomb Iranian infrastructure if Strait of Hormuz isn't reopened.

"The prolonged war and further escalation serve no one's interests. - Mao Ning"

Beijing, April 7

Amid the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has stated that the "prolonged war" and "further escalation" serve no one's interests.

According to a report by China Daily, the spokesperson emphasised that all parties should play a "constructive role" in easing tensions and "pushing for peace talks."

The remarks from the Chinese Foreign Ministry come in the wake of a significant move by the United States, specifically President Trump's recent "8:00 PM deadline" (Washington time, Tuesday night) for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has warned that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign aimed at "each and every one" of Iran's electric generating plants and bridges.

Elaborating on the severity of the threat, Trump stated on Monday that the goal would be to leave these facilities "burning, exploding, and never to be used again" within a four-hour window.

During a White House press briefing, Trump said, "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night."

In this context, Mao Ning, as per China Daily, highlighted the urgency of the situation, as Trump also gave an ultimatum to Iran to make a deal before Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. ET, warning that there would be "no bridges, no power plants" after that.

Trump said that this is a "critical period" and that Washington has given Tehran the necessary time to make a deal to put this war to an end.

"This is a critical period... They asked for an extension of seven days; I gave them 10 days... They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The rhetoric is terrifying. Threatening to bomb power plants and bridges is a humanitarian disaster waiting to happen. Millions of ordinary Iranians will suffer. The international community must step in to de-escalate.
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Vikram M
As an Indian, our primary concern is the Strait of Hormuz. If that shipping lane is blocked, our oil imports get choked. War is not an option. All parties, including China, the US, and regional powers, need to ensure free navigation.
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Priya S
While China's call for peace talks is welcome, we must remember they are also a major player with their own interests. India should take a more proactive diplomatic role here. We have strong ties with both the Gulf and the West.
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Rohit P
"Stone ages"? What kind of language is this from a world leader? This is brinkmanship of the worst kind. It puts the entire region, and by extension Indian expats and our energy security, at immense risk. Completely irresponsible.
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Michael C
I have to respectfully disagree with the Chinese spokesperson's framing. Sometimes a strong deterrent is necessary to prevent further aggression. The goal should be a swift resolution that prevents a wider, longer conflict.
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Ananya R
This is so worrying for our brothers and sisters in the region. So many

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