China's Wang Yi Indirectly Criticizes US Over Iran Crisis, Calling It "A War That Should Never Have Happened"

According to The Financial News, China’s top diplomat described the war involving the Islamic Republic of Iran, which began with airstrikes by the United States of America (US) and Israel, as "a war that should never have happened" and called for an immediate ceasefire and a political solution.
Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China and foreign minister, said at a press conference on China’s diplomacy during the National People's Congress on the morning of the 8th that, with regard to the conflicts in the Middle East, "If I had to sum it up in one phrase, it would be an immediate ceasefire and an end to the war." He went on, "What I want to say, as the Middle East is engulfed in the flames of war, is that this is a war that should never have happened and a war that benefits no one." He also stressed that "major countries must play a constructive role."
He set out several principles for resolving issues involving the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Middle East: respect for national sovereignty, opposition to the abuse of force, non-interference in internal affairs, and political solutions. He said, "Sovereignty is the foundation of the current international order, and the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the countries in the Gulf region must all be respected."
With a visit to China by United States President Donald Trump approaching, Wang Yi emphasized cooperation in China–United States relations. At the same time, he appeared to aim a remark at Washington, saying that "we need to create the right conditions and remove obstacles." He noted, "Because China–United States relations have a major impact on the world, if the two countries do not engage with each other, misunderstandings and miscalculations will arise, and this can ultimately lead to confrontation and conflict."
Wang Yi said, "China and the United States are both major powers, so neither can change the other, but they can change the way they deal with each other." He stressed that the two sides "must uphold the principles of peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and pursue cooperation and mutual benefit."
He added that communication between the leaders of the two countries plays an important role in stabilizing the relationship, saying, "The leaders of the two countries have maintained good exchanges at the highest level, and this has provided an important strategic guarantee for the improvement and development of China–United States relations."
He continued, "This year will be an important year for China–United States relations," and emphasized, "Since high-level exchanges are already under discussion, both sides should make thorough preparations and manage their differences."
Wang Yi said, "China’s attitude has always been proactive and open. What matters is that the United States also moves in the same direction." He added, "If the two countries, on the basis of sincerity and trust, expand the list of areas for cooperation and reduce the list of problems, then 2026 could become a symbolic year in which China–United States relations develop in a sound and stable manner."
june@fnnews.com Lee Seok-woo Reporter