China has condemned attacks on civilians in the Middle East and expressed disapproval of strikes targeting the Gulf region, calling the actions of the US and Israel against Iran a ‘clear violation’ of international law. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, made the remarks during a regular news conference in Beijing, emphasizing the need to stop military operations and prevent the conflict from spreading.

China’s Stance on Civilian Attacks

Guo Jiakun stated that China ‘does not agree with attacks against countries in the Gulf region and condemns non-discriminatory attacks against civilians or non-military targets.’ The spokesperson highlighted the pressing need to halt military operations immediately and urged a return to dialogue and negotiation to restore peace.

‘The way out of the conflict is to return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible and strive for restoration of peace,’ Guo said. The Chinese government has consistently maintained that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of countries should be respected, and that international law must be upheld in all circumstances.

These comments come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where the US and Israel have been conducting military operations against Iran. The attacks, which began in late February, have resulted in significant casualties and have raised concerns about the potential for further regional instability.

Regional Escalation and Humanitarian Impact

Regional tensions have flared since February 28, when Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran, killing more than 1,200 people and injuring another 10,000. The attack, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, was followed by retaliatory strikes from Tehran, including drone and missile attacks on Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that host US military assets.

The humanitarian impact of the conflict has been severe. Civilians in both Iran and Israel have been caught in the crossfire, with reports of widespread destruction and displacement. The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that the situation is worsening and that the risk of further civilian casualties is increasing.

In response to the attacks, Iran has launched a series of retaliatory strikes, targeting military installations and infrastructure in several countries. These actions have raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with the potential for a full-scale war involving multiple countries.

The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to return to the negotiating table. However, with both sides showing little willingness to de-escalate, the situation remains highly volatile.

China’s Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Concerns

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. In a recent call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Wang emphasized that Beijing believes Iran will maintain national and social stability while addressing the legitimate concerns of neighboring countries.

China has also called on all parties to adhere to international law and to avoid actions that could further escalate the conflict. The Chinese government has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and negotiation.

According to Guo Jiakun, the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran are ‘in the process’ of negotiations, which he described as a ‘clear violation’ of international law. He urged all countries to abide by international law and to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Analysts suggest that China’s stance reflects its broader foreign policy goals of maintaining regional stability and avoiding a broader conflict that could have global repercussions. The country has been increasing its diplomatic and economic engagement in the Middle East, seeking to position itself as a key player in regional affairs.

The situation remains highly uncertain, with no clear indication of an immediate ceasefire. The international community is closely watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that can prevent further loss of life and regional instability.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian and economic consequences are becoming increasingly apparent. The disruption of trade and the potential for further military escalation could have far-reaching effects on global markets and regional security.

With no immediate resolution in sight, the focus remains on diplomatic efforts and the possibility of a negotiated settlement. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of the conflict and its impact on the wider region.