China Calls US-Israeli Attacks on Iran ‘Naked Aggression’
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has condemned US and Israeli military attacks on Iran as “naked aggression” and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Tehran, including its opposition to unilateral US sanctions. Mr. Li made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on Monday (October 19), according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
According to IRNA, Mr. Li said the attacks on Iran had taken place while negotiations were underway and without authorisation from the United Nations Security Council. He described the strikes as “naked aggression” and said China would continue to support Iran in defending its legitimate rights on the international stage.
During the meeting, Mr. Li also expressed support for reviving the Islamabad agreement between Iran and the United States. He reiterated Beijing’s opposition to unilateral US sanctions and reaffirmed China’s support for Tehran.
Mr. Aref travelled to Dushanbe to attend a meeting of heads of government from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). His meeting with the Chinese premier took place on the sidelines of the gathering.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping has also expressed concern over the war in the Middle East, according to media reports. He said the conflict was causing widespread damage and was not in the interests of the international community.
China is a key economic partner of Iran and one of its largest oil buyers. However, Beijing’s support for Tehran in the ongoing conflict has so far remained largely diplomatic, political and economic. China has not announced any direct military intervention.
