Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun takes a question from a journalist at a press conference in Beijing, China January 7, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
China on Thursday welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan while condemning the killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilians amid rising tensions in the region.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press briefing after Pakistan announced a “temporary pause” in Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against the Afghan Taliban and terrorists in the neighbouring country on request of mediating countries and the upcoming Eidul Fitr holidays.
Lin said China hoped that both countries would remain calm and restrained, resume peace talks promptly, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible, resolve differences through dialogue, and jointly maintain peace and stability between the two countries and in the region.
He said China appreciated the efforts made by relevant Islamic countries, and was mediating the conflict via its own channels, adding that China was willing to continue playing a constructive role in this regard.
Lin also condemned the killing of Iranian leaders and said Beijing opposed the use of force, adding that attacks on civilian targets were “unacceptable”.
“The killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets are by no means acceptable,” he said in response to a question.
The remarks came after reports that Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli strike. China has repeatedly called for restraint and a peaceful resolution as the conflict intensifies.
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Speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing, Lin said the conflict had caused “excruciating humanitarian disasters” affecting people in Iran and other countries in the region.
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“China deeply sympathises with people in relevant countries and our hearts go out to them,” he said.
Lin added that China would continue efforts to promote peace and a ceasefire, facilitate the early restoration of regional stability, and prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening.
Gulf Arab states are pressing the United States not to stop short in its campaign against Iran, urging it to neutralise Tehran’s ability to threaten the region’s oil lifeline, sources and diplomats told Reuters.
