With the escalation of the Israeli-Iran conflict, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged restraint and presented China’s solidarity in instilling regional peace. While addressing Kazakhstan during the China-Central Asia Summit, Xi voiced serious concern regarding escalating tensions after the Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites.
“Both sides need to move quickly to de-escalate and prevent further deterioration,” Xi said according to Xinhua. “China is willing to contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East.”
During his meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Xi condemned recent Israeli military operations, saying that these operations undermine regional security. “We oppose infringements on national sovereignty. Military solutions are not the answer,” he further added.
In the wake of threats of wider conflict, China has begun evacuating Chinese citizens from both Iran and Israel. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun confirmed on Tuesday that Chinese citizens were being relocated to neighboring countries but gave no details.
“The security of Chinese citizens is our priority,” declared Guo at the press conference. Both governments were urged by him to protect Chinese nationals and facilitate evacuation.
China’s response is coupled with increasing global alarm. The G7, convening in Canada, demanded de-escalation in the region within a matter of hours and reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself while cautioning against Iranian nuclear aspirations.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump departed the G7 summit early after calling for the evacuation of Tehran and putting pressure on Iran to agree to a nuclear deal.
China rebuked inciting language in retaliation, threatening that threats would only heighten the situation more.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi denounced Israel’s move as against international law and reaffirmed China’s appeal for dialogue. On Tuesday, China’s embassy in Israel called on citizens to leave through Jordan because of the prolonged state of emergency and shut airspace.