BEIJING - China on Monday warned that continued escalation between Iran and Israel risks destabilizing the Middle East, following a surge in hostilities that has left scores dead in both countries. “If the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate or even expand, Middle Eastern countries will be the first to suffer,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told Rudaw. He added that Beijing is “deeply concerned” by Israel’s strikes on Iran and called for immediate steps to ease tensions. The conflict entered its fourth day on Monday after Tehran launched a new wave of missile attacks on Israel, following Israel’s large-scale strike on Friday that killed several Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. He said that China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken separately by phone with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts, urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue. “China will continue to maintain communication with relevant parties, promote peace talks, and avoid further instability in the regional situation,” Jiakun said. Beijing had earlier voiced concern about Israel’s initial attack, urging “relevant parties to take actions that promote regional peace and stability,” according to the foreign ministry. China has also reiterated its commitment to a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran and Washington have been engaged in indirect, Oman-mediated talks since April 12, with the fifth round held on May 23. However, Oman’s foreign minister announced on Saturday that the sixth round of talks, which was supposed to take place on Sunday in Muscat, was cancelled.
