Beijing: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the UN Security Council to focus on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to avoid endorsing any unlawful acts of war.
According to Anadolu Agency, Wang Yi's comments came during a phone conversation with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, as reported by Xinhua News. During the call, Wang highlighted the international community's desire for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. He stressed that actions by the UN Security Council should aim to ease tensions and facilitate the resumption of talks, rather than supporting war activities or exacerbating the situation.
The call for diplomatic intervention follows heightened tensions in the Middle East after a joint offensive by Israel and the US against Iran on February 28, leading to over 1,340 fatalities, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military assets, causing both human casualties and significant infrastructure damage, while also impacting global markets and aviation.
The conflict has claimed the lives of at least 13 US servicemen, with numerous others wounded. Meanwhile, Iran has taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial channel for energy supplies to Asian countries, restricting passage to nations it considers friendly.
Wang reiterated China's commitment to opposing aggression and promoting peace during his discussion with his Bahraini counterpart. He also mentioned a five-point initiative, developed in collaboration with Pakistan, aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East region. This initiative includes halting attacks on civilians and non-military targets, ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz, and reinstating normal shipping routes.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Zayani, who currently chairs the ministerial council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, acknowledged the severe security challenges facing Gulf nations, particularly the obstruction of shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.