China's Envoy Urges US and Israel to Halt Military Operations in Iran
NEW YORK (ANTARA) — The fundamental path to preventing the conflict situation in Iran from deteriorating further is for the United States and Israel to halt their military operations, according to China’s envoy during his remarks at the UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution concerning the Iran situation on Wednesday (11 March).
“China is deeply concerned with the rapidly escalating situation in the Persian Gulf region, which risks dragging the entire Middle East into a dangerous abyss,” said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations.
Without authorisation from the UN Security Council, and amid ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington, the US and Israel have launched military attacks against Iran, which clearly violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as well as the fundamental norms governing international relations, he said.
“The outbreak of this war has neither justification nor legitimacy,” Fu stated firmly, adding that its continuation would only bring losses without any benefits whatsoever.
At the same time, the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Arab Gulf states must also be fully respected, the envoy said.
“In this regard, China does not support Iranian attacks against Arab nations in the Persian Gulf region, and condemns all indiscriminate attacks against innocent civilians and non-military targets.”
Whilst conveying that China supports the legitimate demands of Arab Gulf states to safeguard their national security, appreciates and supports their exercise of restraint, and backs the continued efforts of regional nations to resolve disputes through diplomatic channels, Fu said China places great importance on the draft resolution submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan.
He said China participated constructively in those consultations.
“However, regrettably, the draft resolution does not fully reflect the root causes of the problem and paint a balanced overall picture of the conflict. China’s reasonable suggestions were not adequately considered. Therefore, China has no choice but to abstain from the vote.”
Emphasising that the continuation and escalation of the conflict is not in anyone’s interest, Fu stated that China once again calls for the immediate cessation of military operations to prevent further cycles of escalation and avoid the spreading and enlargement of the conflict.
“The parties concerned should immediately return to the correct path of dialogue and negotiation, and resolve their differences through equal dialogue,” Fu said, adding that China is ready to continue working with nations in the region and the broader international community to build synergy for peace and promote the swift restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.