The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds to the Middle East situation: all parties should show sincerity and end this war that should never have happened as soon as possible.

On April 7th, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning hosted a routine press conference. A reporter asked whether China views the current situation in the Middle East, where the Iran conflict has been prolonged with ongoing attacks, the Strait of Hormuz blockade raising concerns from all sides, and calls for a ceasefire and safe navigation increasing. Over the past few days, the US and Iran have shown strength against each other, and there are reports that both sides may reach a ceasefire agreement. How does China see the current situation? Mao Ning stated that the situation in the Middle East is still worsening, with the conflict escalating, impacting the global economy and energy security, and the international community is deeply concerned. Since the outbreak of the conflict, China has maintained an objective, fair, and balanced stance, promoting a ceasefire and ending the war. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 calls with Iran, Israel, Russia, Gulf countries, and others, and China’s special envoy for Middle East issues has traveled to the region for mediation. Not long ago, China and Pakistan jointly proposed five points, reflecting the common international consensus that peace and stability cannot be achieved through force, and political solutions are the way out. Mao Ning said that the root cause of the Iran conflict lies in the United States and Israel violating international law by launching military attacks on Iran. The immediate priority is to cease fire and return to dialogue and negotiations, fundamentally resolve the issue, and restore peace and stability in the Gulf region. All parties should show sincerity and end this war that should never have happened as soon as possible. (Global Times)