Beijing (EFE).- On Monday, China called for a «halt to military actions» amid tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. It also expressed concern over the danger of the conflict escalating and defended the security of the Strait of Hormuz, considering it an «international common interest.» The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, stated at the daily press conference that the attacks carried out by the U.S. on February 28.. Israel and Iran «did not have the authorisation of the United Nations Security Council» and «are in violation of international law.» Mao emphasised that «the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are key international routes for the trade of goods and energy.» Moreover, she underscored that «protecting security and stability in this area benefits the interests of the international community.» China’s representative acknowledged that Beijing «did not receive prior information» about the military operations of the United States and Israel. Regarding the role that the country may play as a member of the Security Council, Mao pointed out that both China and Russia have pushed for an emergency meeting of the body and support it continuing its work in preserving peace and security at the international level. China, Iran’s ally and its main trading partner, had already expressed its condemnation on Sunday over the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on its website, asserted that the operation carried out by the U.S. and Israel was «a violation of the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as of the norms of international relations.» Last Saturday, China expressed its «concern» over the attacks by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, emphasising that the «sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity» of this country must be respected.
China calls for a «halt to military operations» and emphasises the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
