The government of China has announced plans to provide humanitarian assistance to several Middle Eastern nations affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
According to Lin Jian, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Beijing will provide emergency humanitarian support to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Lin said the ongoing war had created a severe humanitarian crisis across the region.
“China has decided to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. It is hoped this will help alleviate the humanitarian plight faced by the local populations,” he said.
He added that China would continue to pursue diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and preventing further escalation.
“China will continue to make every effort to promote peace and stop the war… and to prevent further spreading of the humanitarian crisis,” Lin stated.
Beijing has maintained close diplomatic ties with Iran and has repeatedly called on Israel and the United States to halt their attacks, while also criticising Iranian strikes on Gulf countries hosting US military bases.
China has also attempted to mediate in the conflict. Its special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, recently met with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister to push for de-escalation.
Meanwhile, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has said the war “should never have happened” and urged all parties to end hostilities.
The humanitarian aid announcement also came after Donald Trump delayed a planned visit to Beijing amid the ongoing conflict.
Washington has also been urging China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes.
Iran had effectively closed the strait in retaliation for the strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
