BEIJING — China expressed deep concern over the intensifying conflict in the Middle East on Monday and called for a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to end the war as it stretched into a third day. Israel and the United States have been conducting strikes on Iran and Lebanon, with the conflict extending to regional neighbors. “The most urgent task is an immediate cessation of military operations and preventing a spread and spillover of conflict,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference, urging “a resolution through dialogue and negotiation”. One Chinese citizen was killed amid the US-Israeli attack on Tehran. “The foreign ministry has instructed the Chinese embassy in Iran to provide assistance to the individual involved and the family,” Mao added, without giving further details of the victim or incident. The Chinese Foreign Ministry highlighted the potential regional repercussions and emphasized the need to respect the sovereignty of all Gulf nations, reported China Daily. “China is deeply concerned about the spillover of the military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, which has affected Iran’s neighbouring countries. China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf countries should also be fully respected,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said. Addressing speculation about military cooperation with Iran, Mao dismissed reports suggesting that Tehran is close to reaching a procurement agreement with China for CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles as false. “As a responsible major country, China consistently fulfills its international obligations, and opposes malicious speculation and hype linking unrelated issues,” she said. China has also stepped up efforts to safeguard its citizens amid the conflict. “As of March 2, more than 3,000 Chinese nationals have been evacuated from Iran,” Mao stated. “Chinese embassies and consulates in countries neighboring Iran have dispatched working groups to border ports to assist Chinese citizens leaving Iran,” she added. — Agencies
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