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China expresses 'deep concern' over Iran attack on Israel
"China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations," the unnamed spokesman said.
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An Iranian crosses the road next to a pro-Palestine poster in Tehran on April 13, 2024. (AFP/Atta Kenare)
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eijing expressed "deep concern" on Sunday over Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said.
"China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations," the unnamed spokesman said.
Iran on Saturday launched more than 200 drones and missiles at Israel in an unprecedented attack, the Israeli army announced, in a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes.
Tehran had repeatedly threatened to strike Israel in retaliation for a deadly April 1 air strike on its Damascus consular annexe and Washington had warned repeatedly in recent days that the reprisals were imminent.
"China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region," the foreign ministry spokesman said.
China mediated between Iran and Saudi Arabia last year, and Reuters reported China had asked Iran to help rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis, or risk harming business relations with Beijing.
Earlier on Sunday, the Chinese embassy in Iran advised Chinese nationals and companies in the country to strengthen security precautions, according to state television CCTV.
China Southern Airlines has cancelled a flight to Iran for Sunday and Hainan Airlines is saying they are monitoring the situation closely and is evaluating whether an upcoming flight to Israel can fly normally, according to Chinese business outlet Yicai.
China Southern has a direct flight from Urumqi in China's Xinjiang region to Tehran on Sunday and Hainan Airlines has a direct flight from the southern city of Shenzhen to Tel Aviv scheduled on Tuesday, according to flight tracking app Flight Master.
