China on Thursday renewed its call for the United States and Iran to cease hostilities and return to dialogue, expressing grave concern over the escalating situation in the region. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing that military conflict will only worsen the situation and that resuming military action will not resolve any fundamental issues.
China's Stance on Regional Stability
Lin emphasized that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of regional countries must be respected and safeguarded. He urged all relevant parties to stop military actions, resume dialogue and negotiations, respond to mediating efforts by concerned countries, and achieve an early ceasefire. China has maintained contacts with relevant parties, including Iran, since the conflict erupted and has made efforts to promote peace talks.
Recent Escalations
Over the past two weeks, the US and Iran have exchanged attacks intermittently, heightening tensions across the region. Earlier on Thursday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had struck 18 major US military targets in the Gulf in retaliation for US missile attacks on a recreational site, an industrial complex, and areas near Karaj and Nazarabad west of Tehran, as well as a local Revolutionary Guard base in Pishva County.
On Wednesday, China reiterated its call for Washington and Tehran to stop escalating tensions following fresh US attacks on Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that American forces launched air strikes against Iranian military targets in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter on Monday. In response, Iran's military headquarters launched attacks on some US bases in the region early Wednesday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US had chosen to test Tehran's determination. However, Lin urged both sides to remain calm, exercise restraint, stop escalating tensions, and take concrete actions to ease the situation. He called on the US and Iran to use political and diplomatic means to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire at the earliest possible date.
