Chinese Media: "The Elimination of Soleimani Violates International Law"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] As the Iranian government has effectively withdrawn from the nuclear agreement (JCPOA·Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), China has blamed the United States for the escalating tensions in the Middle East region.

On the 6th, China's Global Times editorial stated, "The conflict between the US and Iran is in an extremely sensitive situation, on the brink of full-scale war," adding, "China is a third party in this matter, but the US killing of Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, through an airstrike is a violation of international law and an act that undermines regional peace."

It further explained, "This is China's fundamental understanding of the US-Iran issue," and said, "Other countries should not provoke Iran to take revenge and should express condolences to Iran." The newspaper noted, "The issue of Soleimani's elimination by the US was also controversial within the US," advising, "We hope US decision-makers do not push too far regarding the Iran issue."

The newspaper also expressed concern, stating, "If the US and Iran go to war, China will lose more than it gains," pointing out that China has made many investments related to its economic interests in the Middle East, including Iran and Iraq, and that the volume of oil imported from the Middle East is significant globally.

China, concerned about the rising tensions in the Middle East, is closely discussing this issue with Russia.

On the night of the 4th, Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister, spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss the US removal of a key Iranian military figure and the resulting escalating tensions in the Middle East. They held talks on cooperation matters between the two countries at the United Nations Security Council.

During the conversation with the Russian Foreign Minister, Wang Yi reportedly opposed the use of force in international relations and stated that military adventurism is unacceptable. He also pointed out that the US's dangerous military operation not only violates the basic norms of international relations but also intensifies regional tensions and instability.