China urges US-Iran talks as soon as possible, praises Pakistan mediation
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning gestures during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, on May 24, 2023. PHOTO: CHINESE FORIEGN MINISTRY
China on Monday reiterated its call for the United States and Iran to begin peace talks “as soon as possible”, while praising Pakistan’s mediation efforts amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“China calls on relevant parties to start peace talks as soon as possible,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters, adding that Beijing supports all efforts conducive to de-escalation and the resumption of dialogue.
"We commend Pakistan for its efforts for deescalating the tensions," she said in response to a question by Anadolu.
#FMsays Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday that China supports Pakistan's efforts to mediate dialogue between the United States and Iran to end the #MiddleEast conflict. "We appreciate Pakistan's efforts to promote the easing of the situation and support… pic.twitter.com/YNKj25U7Bo
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday said Islamabad would be “honoured” to host talks between the US and Iran as part of broader mediation efforts. The country also hosted a quadrilateral foreign ministers’ meeting as part of its mediation efforts.
Read More: Pakistan signals Iran-US talks in 'coming days'
"We support it to continue as a mediator and stand ready to work with Pakistan and other parties to strengthen communication and coordination to translate work to end hostility to safeguarding peace and stability," Mao said.
She reiterated opposition to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, saying military means would not solve the conflict.
"Military means will not solve the root cause. The conflict serves no one's interests," Mao said.
China commends and supports Pakistan’s mediation effort for deescalation and stands ready to enhance communication and coordination with Pakistan and others to jointly work for a ceasefire and peace in the region. @ForeignOfficePk #MiddleEast #Iran pic.twitter.com/EjxWRUvxck
Regional escalations have continued to rage since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on February 28, killing more than 1,400 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.