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China condemns US strikes on Iran, calls for ceasefire and talks

Beijing says the bombing of the Iranian facilities violates the UN Charter and its principles

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A man holds an Iranian flag during a rally demanding an end to the war between Israel and Iran in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday. Photo: AP
Phoebe Zhangin Shenzhen
China condemned the United States for its weekend attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, describing them as serious violations of international law.

In a brief statement on Sunday night, the Chinese foreign ministry said the bombing of the facilities, which were under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, seriously violated the United Nations Charter and its principles.

It called on all parties, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians and start dialogue.

“China is willing to work with the international community to uphold justice and restore peace and stability in the Middle East,” the ministry said.

The call came hours after US President Donald Trump announced that the US military had conducted the bombings, calling the strikes a “spectacular military success” and pledging more attacks if Tehran did not stand down.

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Tehran also confirmed the strikes, but said the sites had been evacuated before the strikes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the bombing “outrageous”.

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