China is “deeply concerned” about Israel’s military operation against Iran, which has increased tensions in the Middle East, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday in his first public comments about the conflict that broke out on Friday.
XI, speaking of a summit with five Central Asian countries in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, said that China opposes any actions that violate sovereignty, safety and territorial integrity of other countries.
“All parties should work to decrease the escalation of conflict as soon as possible and prevent the situation from getting even worse,” Xi said in comments cited by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Organize your financial life with AI
China is ready to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China had begun to remove its citizens from Israel and Iran and was pressing for a ceasefire, as the fighting continued on the fifth day.
Chinese authorities are in communication with Iran, Israel and various parts to promote a ceasefire, Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference.
Continues after advertising
“China asks all relevant parts, especially countries that have a special influence on Israel, assume their due responsibilities, take immediate measures to cool the tense situation and prevent conflict from increasing and spreading,” Guo said, without quoting names from countries.
