A Chinese citizen in Tehran died during attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, leading Chinese authorities to call for an immediate ceasefire and the start of negotiations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to China has not been canceled.
Today (2 Mar 2024 GMT+7), Chinese authorities issued a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations to end the Middle East conflict, which has escalated into its third day. This followed airstrikes by Israel and the United States in Iran and Lebanon, with the situation intensifying and spreading to neighboring countries in the region.
Ms. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters, "The most urgent task now is to immediately halt military operations to prevent the conflict from expanding and worsening." She urged all parties to seek solutions through dialogue after confirming that a Chinese citizen was killed in the US and Israeli attack on Tehran aimed at assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader. Mao said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the Chinese Embassy in Iran to promptly assist those involved and the victim's family. She added that China had not been informed in advance about the US military operation.
In response to the incident, China and Russia jointly called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis. Chinese authorities had previously advised their citizens last week to avoid traveling to Iran, and reports indicate that over 3,000 Chinese nationals have left Iran as of today.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it would retaliate against Israel and the United States with "the most severe operation in history," targeting military bases in the Gulf countries, which have already been heavily affected by previous Iranian strikes.
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to make his first official visit to China during his second term, from 31 March to 2 April 2024 GMT+7.
Ms. Mao commented on this schedule only by saying that China and the United States are maintaining close coordination regarding the leaders' meeting, with no details or progress to disclose at this time.
.source:CNA
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