China calls on all parties, 'especially Israel', to de-escalate tensions after Nasrallah's killing
The Hindu
China urges de-escalation in West Asia, condemns violence, and advises citizens against travel to Lebanon.
China on Sunday (September 29, 2024) called on "parties concerned, especially Israel", to immediately take actions to cool down tensions to prevent the conflict in West Asia from going out of control in the aftermath of the killing of Iran-backed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli bombing.
"China is closely following the incident and is deeply concerned over the escalation of tensions in the region," a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said.
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Separately, China also issued an advisory asking its citizens not to travel to Lebanon due to the intensification of the conflict.
"China opposes the infringement on Lebanon's sovereignty and security, opposes and condemns any action against innocent civilians, and opposes any move that fuels antagonism and escalates regional tensions,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said.
"China urges parties concerned, especially Israel, to immediately take actions to cool down the situation and prevent the conflict from escalating or even spiralling out of control,” it said, without directly referring to Mr. Nasrallah's killing, regarded as a major setback to Iran, the main backer of the Hezbollah.
Reports from Tehran said Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said Mr. Nasrallah’s death “will not go unavenged” and has been shifted to a secure location.