Article by Viory
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Lin Jian urged the immediate end of the Middle East war through diplomatic means, warning about ‘spillover effects’ of the conflict’s prolongation at a regular press conference on Wednesday in Beijing.
“It is China’s principled position that all regional hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not by force. Negotiating is always better than fighting. It is hoped that relevant parties will seize every opportunity and window for peace and start the peace talks as soon as possible,” he said.
The remark follows the phone talk between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi on Tuesday. Araghchi thanked and expressed hope that China would continue playing a positive role in promoting peace and ending the war.
The spokesperson dodged the question of whether Chinese has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran announced the Strait “is open to friends and non-hostile countries, but closed to enemies and those who collaborate with them.”
“Maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and keeping shipping routes safe serves the common interests of the international community. China has all along been in communication with relevant parties to work for the de-escalation of the situation,” Lin said.
On Tuesday, the second Chinese-owned liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier, Lucky Gas, reportedly transited the Hormuz, following the first LPG vessel, Danuta I, on March 6. The oil tanker Bright Gold is one of at least three China-owned fuel tankers to pass the Strait after its closure.
Lin also confirmed Beijing’s willingness to cooperate with other Southeast Asian nations to ‘jointly address energy security issues,’ but did not specify the details of the possible deal.
He also accused Japan of failing to protect diplomatic premises and staff after a Japanese Self-Defence Forces officer allegedly broke into the Chinese embassy in Tokyo on Tuesday morning armed with an 18-centimetre blade.
“Have you ever seen an individual who, armed with a knife, entered the embassy without permission to convey opinions to the ambassador?” he questioned. “It’s also a fact that he threatened to kill Chinese diplomats in the so-called ‘name of god.’ The Japanese side must take it seriously and thoroughly investigate the incident.”
The 23-year-old suspect was caught on the spot. The Japanese side described the incident as ‘regrettable.’
Article by Viory
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