China urges Iran, Pakistan to ‘exercise restraint’ after deadly airstrikes

BEIJING – AFP

China has urged Pakistan and Iran to show restraint, after Islamabad said Tehran had carried out an air strike on its territory that killed two children.

Mao Ning, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said: “China has always advocated that relations between countries should be handled in accordance with the basic norms of international relations and international law based on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, and that the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries should be effectively respected and maintained.”

She added, “We consider both Iran and Pakistan as close neighbours and major Islamic countries. We call on both sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension and work together to maintain peace and stability in the region.”