Wang Yi Had a Phone Call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

On March 1st, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov as scheduled. Wang Yi stated that under the promotion of China and Russia, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting yesterday on the current Iran situation. China consistently advocates for adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and opposes the use of force in international relations. Attacks by the US and Israel during the Iran-U.S. negotiations are unacceptable; openly killing a sovereign leader and inciting regime change are unacceptable. These actions violate international law and basic principles of international relations. The conflict has now spread to the entire Persian Gulf, and the Middle East situation could be pushed into a dangerous abyss. China is highly concerned about this. Wang Yi pointed out that China’s position is: First, immediately cease military actions to prevent the conflict from spreading and escalating beyond control. China values the security of Gulf countries and supports their restraint. Second, return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible. All parties should strongly urge peace and oppose war, urging the involved parties to quickly return to the dialogue and negotiation track. Third, jointly oppose unilateral actions. Without UN Security Council authorization, attacking sovereign countries undermines the peace foundation established after World War II. The international community should send a clear and firm message to oppose the world reverting to jungle law. Lavrov stated that the US and Israel’s military strikes on Iran seriously undermine stability in the Middle East. Russia shares China’s stance and is willing to strengthen coordination and communication with China through platforms like the UN and SCO, issuing a clear call to immediately stop the war and return to diplomatic negotiations. (CCTV News)