China warns military force 'cannot solve any problem' in Middle East
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing that military means have proven ineffective, warning that the three-month US-Israeli war with Iran has dealt a severe blow to Gulf nations and urging all parties to respect Middle Eastern sovereignty while pursuing political solutions.
Beijing warns against military solutions
China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday declared that military action has proven incapable of resolving disputes in the Middle East, warning that arbitrary use of force only complicates ongoing tensions. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing that the three-month conflict between Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran has dealt a severe blow to nations across the Gulf region.
"Facts have proven military means cannot solve any problem and arbitrary use of force will only complicate the issues," Lin said. He emphasized that diplomatic engagement remains the only viable pathway to stability, urging all parties to abandon confrontational tactics that risk further escalation.
Lebanon ceasefire violations
The Chinese comments came amid reports of Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, where strikes have continued despite American pressure. Lin was specifically reacting to Tel Aviv's actions as US President Donald Trump called on Israel not to retaliate against Iranian missile strikes launched on Sunday — a demand that was ultimately ignored by Israeli leadership.
Israeli warplanes bombed the Lebanese capital of Beirut late Sunday despite the ongoing truce, prompting immediate retaliation from Tehran. The exchange marked a significant escalation in the regional conflict that has already displaced thousands and threatened maritime navigation through strategic chokepoints.
Diplomatic window narrows
Iran responded to the Beirut strike by launching missiles toward northern Israel, which triggered several waves of Israeli airstrikes against Iranian targets. Both sides subsequently halted their retaliatory strikes, though tensions remain at a boiling point as diplomatic efforts continue.
"The Iran-US negotiations are at a crucial stage at the moment. No party should reignite military conflict," Lin said, adding that China calls on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint. Beijing urges all sides to take concrete action to cool down the situation and work for an early comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means, while respecting the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern nations.
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