The Ministry of National Defense spokesperson answers reporters' questions on the recent Middle East situation

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Beijing, March 26 — (Reporter Wang Chuntao) “The key to resolving the current crisis is for all parties to immediately cease fire and fighting, quickly return to the dialogue and negotiation track, and prevent the situation from escalating further,” said Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin at a routine press conference on March 26 when answering questions about recent Middle East developments.

A reporter asked: The Israeli Defense Minister stated that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized the military to kill any high-ranking Iranian officials listed as targets without approval. What is your comment on this?

Jiang Bin said that such remarks and actions seriously violate international law and go against human conscience and morality. From killing foreign leaders to wantonly attacking civilian targets, believing in the power of force will not bring security but only deepen hatred and lead to a vicious cycle of more intense conflict.

“We urge all relevant parties to immediately stop military actions and avoid causing greater disasters to the Middle East and the world,” Jiang Bin said.

Another reporter asked: Recently, the military conflicts in the Middle East have continued to escalate, with the US and Israel targeting each other’s energy facilities, and the Strait of Hormuz facing serious threats. There are concerns that the escalation could trigger a nuclear disaster. What is your comment on this?

“We call on all parties to immediately cease military actions, resolve differences through equal dialogue, prevent the conflict from spreading further, and avoid further escalation of the situation,” Jiang Bin said. China will continue to make active efforts to ease the situation and restore peace.

A reporter asked: Recently, tensions in the Middle East have been ongoing. The US has repeatedly requested China to send ships to escort in the Strait of Hormuz. What is your comment on this?

Jiang Bin stated that the recent situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters is tense, impacting international cargo and energy trade routes, and undermining regional and global peace and stability. The key to resolving the current crisis is for all parties to immediately cease fire and fighting, quickly return to the dialogue and negotiation track, and prevent the situation from escalating further.