“Might does not make right”: China urges ceasefire in Middle East

China has vowed to continue its efforts as a diplomatic mediator in the Middle East, even as it acknowledges limits to its influence in the region’s ongoing conflicts, according to Zhai Jun, the country’s special envoy on Middle East Affairs.

Speaking in Beijing after visiting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt, Zhai said part of his tour had to be undertaken by car due to airspace closures, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“Might does not make right,” Zhai told reporters. “A major country should not use its military strength to attack other countries at will.” He also called on the US and Israel to “stop their military actions immediately” to allow a ceasefire.

Zhai said he had held “thorough discussion” with the Iranian side, but was cautious about China’s role in brokering a political settlement. “The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it,” he said, declining to comment on whether China could do more to bring the parties together.

While not explicitly urging Iran to stop its military actions, Zhai indicated that Tehran’s tactics, including closing the Strait of Hormuz and striking neighbouring countries, had complicated China’s diplomacy and heightened economic risks for the world’s largest oil importer.

“Under no circumstances should the red line of protecting civilians in military conflict be crossed; nor nonmilitary targets such as energy, economic and livelihood facilities be attacked; nor the security of the Strait of Hormuz and other international shipping lanes be undermined,” he said. “China condemns all indiscriminate attacks on civilians and nonmilitary targets.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev