BEIJING - Beijing wants to see a sustained and effective truce in the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday, days after Israel and Iran ceased hostilities.
“China hopes to achieve a sustained and effective ceasefire and promote peace and stability in the Middle East,” Jiakun told Rudaw during a press briefing.
Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated on June 13 when Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran’s military and nuclear sites, killing several commanders and nuclear scientists. After 12 days of deadly exchanges of strikes, both sides agreed to a United State-brokered ceasefire, though the situation remains tense.
China is concerned about reports that Iran plans to shut the strategic Strait of Hormuz in protest over attacks on its territory. A large amount of Chinese trade is conducted through the strait.
The US has called on China to prevent its ally, Iran, from making such a move.