China to send envoy to Middle East for mediation, foreign minister says
World
China appreciates Saudi Arabia's restraint and insistence on resolving differences through peaceful means
BEIJING (Reuters) - China will send a special envoy to the Middle East for mediation, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Saudi Arabian and UAE counterparts on Wednesday according to statements from his ministry, as conflict in the region continued to escalate.
China appreciates Saudi Arabia's restraint and insistence on resolving differences through peaceful means, Wang was quoted as saying in a phone call with the Saudi minister by the Chinese ministry.
In a separate phone call with the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Wang said the "red line" of protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed, and that non-military targets, including those involving energy, should not be attacked.
He also called for protecting the safety of shipping routes.
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Earlier, China has condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing it as a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and national security.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the assassination constituted a serious breach of the principles of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental norms governing international relations.
The spokesperson expressed firm opposition to the act and voiced strong condemnation over the development, stressing that such actions undermine regional stability.
China called for an immediate halt to military operations to prevent further escalation of tensions.
The Foreign Ministry urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid steps that could worsen the situation.
The spokesperson also emphasized the need for collective efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and across the world.
