China calls for ‘immediate halt’ to Iran escalation

BEIJING: China warned against any further escalation in the Middle East on Saturday, calling for an “immediate halt” to violence after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, which has retaliated with missiles.

“China calls for an immediate halt to military actions, urges avoiding further escalation of tensions, and encourages the resumption of dialogue and negotiations to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East,” Beijing’s foreign ministry said.

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“Iran’s national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected,” it added.