CAIRO, March 5 (Xinhua) -- As U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the latter's retaliations continue with increasing casualties, China has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, a return to dialogue, respect for national sovereignty, and the protection of civilians.
The following is a chronology of China's official statements on the latest flare-up.
March 5
China will send Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, to the region in the near future to work for the de-escalation of the tense situation, announced Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning.
China will continue working with all sides, including those involved in relevant conflicts in the Middle East, to maintain communication, step up mediation efforts, and pool consensus, Mao added.
March 4
During a phone call with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the red line on protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed.
Wang noted that the spillover of war serves no one's interests and that the people of the region would be the ones to suffer. He stressed that non-military targets related to energy, economy, and people's livelihoods should not be attacked, and that the security of shipping routes must be safeguarded.
China backs the UAE's legitimate demands to safeguard its national security and supports regional countries in their continued efforts to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Wang said.
March 3
During a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Wang said China opposes the military strikes launched by Israel and the United States against Iran.
The use of force cannot truly resolve the issue; instead, it will create new problems and grave repercussions, he stressed, adding that refraining from the use or threat of force in international relations is in the fundamental interests of all parties, including Israel.
China is deeply saddened by the massive civilian casualties caused by U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, spokesperson Mao said in response to a related query, adding that China strongly condemns that.
China calls on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law, effectively ensure the safety of civilians, and avoid attacks on civilian facilities, she added.
March 2
During a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Wang said China values the traditional friendship between China and Iran, and supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity.
Spokesperson Mao said that the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are important international trade channels for goods and energy, and urged relevant parties to immediately stop military operations to prevent further escalation of tensions.
March 1
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the attack and killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The ministry said the attack and killing of Khamenei is a grave violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, adding that it tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations.
In a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Wang said it is unacceptable for the United States and Israel to launch strikes on Iran during the Iran-U.S. negotiations, and that it is also unacceptable for them to blatantly kill the leader of a sovereign state and incite government change.
Wang presented a three-point position on the situation in Iran: an immediate cessation of military operations, a prompt return to dialogue and negotiation, and a joint opposition to unilateral actions.
Feb. 28
China is highly concerned over the military strikes against Iran launched by the United States and Israel, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said after the strikes broke out earlier in the day.
China calls for an immediate stop to the military actions, no further escalation of the tense situation, resumption of dialogue and negotiation, and efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East, the ministry said.■
