By Stephen Asante
GNA Special Correspondent, Beijing, China
Beijing, June 23, GNA – The Chinese Government has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and called for the de-escalation of tension.
“To escalate the conflict creates no winners and will only cause even more damage and lead to larger turmoil,” Guo Jiakun, the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, told the media at a press conference in Beijing, the country’s capital.
He said the Chinese Government was worried about the ramifications of the current situation as it had the potential to wreak havoc on the people in both countries.
Tensions between the two countries have been aggravated by Israel’s recent attack on Iran, targeting nuclear and military facilities, which had since prompted counterattacks by Iran.
The Israeli authorities claim the incursion, codenamed ‘Operation Rising Lion’, aims at decapacitating Iran from taking steps to weaponise enriched uranium, which they alleged could be used to make nuclear weapons.
The ‘Gulf News’ reports that Iranian officials have vowed further action if Israel continues its offensive.
In the midst of hostilities, international calls for restraint have multiplied as fears grow that the Middle East could be on the threshold of a broader conflict.
The Chinese Government cautioned that: “The situation in the Middle East is tense and delicate, and facing the risk of getting out of control.’’
“China opposes any move that violates the purposes and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and a country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and opposes using or threatening to use force in international relations,” the Foreign Ministry noted.
It urged the international community, especially major countries with influence, to maintain a fair position and responsible attitude, create conditions for reaching a ceasefire, and resort to dialogue and negotiation.
That was imperative to prevent the situation from sliding into the abyss and triggering an even larger disaster, the Government advised.
Meanwhile, the authorities have disclosed that the Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran, Israel and other neighbouring countries have organised and coordinated the evacuation of over 1,600 Chinese nationals from Iran to safety, and several hundred from Israel.
“Our Ministry and diplomatic and consular missions will continue to do everything possible to help our fellow nationals move to safety and evacuate,” Mr Guo said.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe