Recent risky military actions by the United States are leading to an escalation of tension in the Middle East, China is urging the United States not to abuse military force, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday.
On the night of January 3, the United States conducted an operation near the Baghdad International Airport against Iranian General Kassem Soleimani and the deputy head of the Iraqi Shiite militia, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who in Washington are considered involved in organizing the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad on December 31, 2019.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has promised to avenge the United States for the death of Suleymani. The US President Donald Trump has promised to deliver a “quick and powerful blow” to 52 targets in Iran if the Americans are attacked.
“Recent US military adventures violated the fundamental principles of international relations, led to an escalation of tension and instability in the region… We urge the United States not to abuse military force, urge all parties to maintain restraint in order to prevent further escalation of the situation, urge to return to the path of dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible”, – said Gen Shuang at a briefing, commenting on the mutual military threats of Washington and Tehran.
He stressed that the Chinese side has consistently opposed the use of military force in international relations, military methods are not a way out of the situation, much less exerting maximum pressure.
“The Chinese side believes that all parties involved must respect the principles of the UN Charter. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of each country must be respected, peace and stability in the Middle East must be protected”, – said Geng Shuang.
The representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry added that Beijing is seriously concerned about the situation in the Middle East, peace and stability in this region are extremely important for the whole world.