China’s Diplomat: Middle East War “Never Should Have Happened”

China’s top diplomat condemned the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Sunday, stating the war “should never have happened” and reiterating calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Middle East Conflict Condemned by China

Speaking at a press conference during China’s Two Sessions, Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the region as currently “engulfed in flames.” He emphasized that the conflict is one that “benefits no party.”

The conflict began on February 28 with strikes launched by the US and Israel against Iran. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US interests in neighboring countries, particularly in the Gulf.

Israel has also launched renewed attacks in Lebanon following rocket and drone fire across the border from Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned militia.

Beijing has previously criticized military actions taken by the US and Israel in Iran, with which it maintains diplomatic and trade relations. China has specifically condemned the actions targeting the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Wang repeated his call for an immediate end to the fighting, stating, “Meeting force with force will only breed new hatred and lay the seeds for new crises.”