The statements, made at a press conference by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, on the 25th, come after Pakistani government sources confirmed that the country is leading a mediation initiative with Turkey and Egypt to end the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Trump stated on Monday that he had held “excellent and productive” talks with Tehran to bring about an end to hostilities and assured that contacts would continue throughout the week, although the Iranian military denied yesterday that negotiations with Washington were taking place.
Lin also stated that “China hopes all parties will seize every opportunity and window for peace and initiate a dialogue process as soon as possible.”
He added that the situation is affecting global energy security, the functioning of supply and production chains, as well as the order of international trade, emphasizing that China “is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the international community to jointly address challenges regarding energy security.”
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The day before, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, during which he called for a return to the path of dialogue to end the war in Iran and begin peace negotiations “as soon as possible.” Wang insisted that all sensitive issues must be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not by resorting to force.
The war in the Middle East is entering its fourth week, following the escalation that began on February 28 with coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory.
In response, Iran launched waves of missiles and drones against Israel and strategic targets in the Gulf, in addition to maintaining a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
China, Tehran’s main trading partner and largest buyer of its oil, has repeatedly condemned the attacks on Iran, although it has also called for “respect for the sovereignty” of the Gulf countries, with which it also maintains close relations.
