China strongly condemns US attacks on Iran and the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA: Chinese envoy

The United States conducted attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA. The actions of the United States seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, as well as Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. They have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and dealt a heavy blow to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council Emergency Meeting, according to a release posted on the website of China's Permanent Mission to the UN on Sunday.

The international community must uphold justice and make concrete efforts to cool down the situation and restore peace and stability, said Fu.

In the context of the abrupt escalation of tensions in the Middle East, China is deeply concerned about the risk of the situation getting out of control. The parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, should reach an immediate ceasefire to prevent a spiraling escalation and to resolutely avoid the spillover of the war. The parties concerned should abide by international law, curb the impulse to use force, and avoid exacerbating conflicts and adding fuel to the fire, Fu said.

Fu called for effective protection of civilians. "The ultimate victims of all conflicts are the innocent people. China is deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict," Fu noted.

"At present, diplomatic means to address the Iranian nuclear issue have not been exhausted, and there is still hope for a peaceful solution. Parties should stay firmly committed to the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and work to bring it back onto the track of a political solution through dialogue and negotiation, with a view to reaching an agreement acceptable to all parties," Fu said.

The Security Council shoulders the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It cannot stand idly by in the face of a major crisis. Russia, China, and Pakistan have proposed a draft resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, respect for international law, and engagement in dialogue and negotiation, Fu said. 

"We hope that Council members can demonstrate their strong sense of responsibility by jointly supporting the draft resolution, to enable the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security," Fu noted.

China stands ready to work with the international community to foster synergy, uphold justice, and make unremitting efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East, Fu said.