China calls for immediate truce on Iran

China calls for immediate ceasefire after US and Israeli strikes on Iran

The Chinese Foreign Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire after the joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Beijing stressed the need to respect Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and called on all parties to avoid further escalation and return to negotiations.

Beijing's additional steps

Against the backdrop of rising tensions, the Chinese authorities have issued an advisory to their citizens:

- in Israel - to move to safe areas or leave the country through the border with Egypt;
- in Iran, to leave as soon as possible by land routes to neighbouring countries.

At the same time, the state-run Xinhua news agency criticised the strikes, calling them a manifestation of «outright aggression».

Context.

The US and Israeli strikes on Iran sharply exacerbated the situation in the region and caused a wave of international reactions.

Due to the escalation, the UN Security Council convenes an emergency meeting, and world leaders call on the parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomacy.

Experts warn that further escalation could escalate into a wider regional conflict.