China offers humanitarian aid to Iran, Lebanon as peace deal nears

China announced on Wednesday that it will provide humanitarian aid to Iran and Lebanon, as the United States and Iran move toward signing a peace agreement later this week. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing that China is “deeply saddened by the humanitarian disaster” caused by the Iran conflict and its spillover effects. “Considering the real situation in the relevant countries, China has decided to offer humanitarian aid to Iran and Lebanon … to further assist the people there in recovery and reconstruction, as well as improving their economy and livelihood,” Lin said.

Second aid shipment

This marks the second time since the US and Israel initiated war against Iran on Feb. 28 that Beijing has offered aid to Tehran; China previously sent aid to Iran in March. The decision comes as the US and Iran agreed to an initial peace deal mediated by Pakistan, with a signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. The deal also calls for an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, where nearly 3,800 people have been killed since the war began. Lin said China, “as a good friend of Middle Eastern countries, will continue to provide support … and continue playing a positive role in restoring peace and tranquility at an early date.”