China calls for respect of Gulf States' sovereignty, urges halt to military escalation

BEIJING, March 2 (KUNA) -- China stressed the importance of fully respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Arab Gulf states, urging all parties to stop military actions to prevent the spread of war.
The remarks were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a press conference, in response to condemnations issued by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan following US and Israeli occupation military strikes against Iran last Saturday.
Xinhua News Agency quoted Mao as saying that China welcomed the GCC foreign ministers' meeting, which emphasized that dialogue and diplomatic means are the only way to overcome the current crisis and maintain regional peace and stability. She noted that the regional situation is complex and sensitive and highlighted the importance of promoting communication and coordination among countries in the spirit of good neighborliness to safeguard Middle East peace and stability.
Mao expressed Beijing's deep concern over the widening conflict and its impact on regional countries, stressing that US-Israeli occupation strikes on Iran without UN Security Council authorization constitute a violation of international law.
Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a telephone call with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, reaffirmed China's support for Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, rights, and legitimate interests. Wang expressed confidence that Iran can maintain stability under the current complex conditions, while urging Tehran to consider neighboring countries' reasonable concerns and protect Chinese citizens and institutions in Iran.
He also said China had urged the US and Israel to immediately cease military operations to prevent further escalation and regional spillover of the conflict.
During the call, Araghchi said the US had launched a second war against Iran amid negotiations, violating international law and crossing Iran's red lines. He emphasized that Iran has no choice but to exercise its full right to self-defense and expressed hope that China continues to play a positive role in preventing further tension in the region. (end) slq.aa