BEIJING: China on Monday urged the United States and Iran to continue the “momentum of de-escalation” as potential signs emerged that the war between the two sides could end as mediator Pakistan intensified diplomatic efforts.
“China’s position on the Iranian situation is very clear. This is a conflict that should never have happened and there is no need for it to continue,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.
The spokeswoman was responding to questions about ongoing Pakistan-led intense diplomatic efforts toward a potential pact between the US and Iran to permanently end the war, which began on February 28.
“An earlier solution serves the interests of both the US and Iran, as well as regional countries and the world at large,” said Mao.
The spokeswoman stressed it was “important to sustain the momentum of de-escalation, stay committed to the direction of political resolution, and seek a solution through dialogue and consultation that accommodates the concerns of all parties.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that there might be news “maybe today” in the talks between Iran and the US to end the war.
Trump on Saturday held a phone call with regional leaders to discuss ongoing indirect talks with Iran. According to him, an agreement was “largely negotiated” and awaited finalisation.
On April 8 Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran which halted the escalation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also praised Pakistan for its constructive role in promoting peace between Iran and US during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on Monday.
