The Chinese response to the U.S. warning of possible military action against Iran made a balanced tone by pleading for a resolution of differences by dialogue rather than by force.
In one of their regular briefing sessions, a representative of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Beijing is opposed to “the use of force or threats of force in international relations” and reiterated that “every country should respect each other’s sovereignty, security, and territorial intangible int.”
The official expressed hopes about the ability of the Iranian government and nation to overcome this challenging period and sustain stability and order. He reiterated China’s long-standing policy of supporting political and diplomatic means in handling international conflicts, rather than the use of force.
“This statement has a harder tone in light of a warning issued by U.S. President Donald Trump about a possible major military strike in case more people are killed in Iran,” according to a report on Deutsche Welle News. Trump made the statement while on Air Force One, which was carrying him back to Washington, having flown back from Florida. When asked about Iran’s readiness to negotiate, Trump stated: “We have very powerful options. Well, I would love to negotiate, but I can’t, because, you know, they open their hands, and they are making plans for a visit, so you know, they are ready to negotiate.” He further stated: “We are in touch with the opposition in Iran, and our military is watching Iran very carefully.”
Trump also spoke of other options that don’t involve the use of force, such as working together with the big tech companies for the restoration of Iran’s internet connection, which has been disrupted throughout the whole process of the ongoing protests. Trump said that he would speak with tech executives, including Elon Musk, regarding the provision of information for the Iranian citizens.
“We are fully prepared to be able to engage in war as well as sit at the negotiating table,” the Iranian foreign minister said. He also stated that Iran is not going to back down based upon threats or pressure.
