China calls for easing tensions in Middle East

ANKARA

China on Thursday called for easing tensions in the Middle East after attacks in Beirut and Tehran, saying Beijing opposes foreign interference in the region, state media reported.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, commenting on the situation and repercussions of the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, said Beijing always supported reconciliation in Palestine.

"China believes that achieving internal reconciliation in Palestine is an important step toward resolving the Palestinian issue and achieving peace and stability in the Middle East," Lin said on a question about efforts to help unite Palestinian factions.

"The more severe the situation in the Middle East, the more the international community should strive to ease tensions and promote the de-escalation of conflicts," he added.

Lin said Beijing has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, opposes foreign interference, and is willing to work with relevant parties to make unremitting efforts to promote long-term stability in the region.

There are fears of a wider conflict in the region after twin strikes in Beirut and Tehran on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, which assassinated Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. While Israel has claimed responsibility for killing Shukr, it has not commented on the attack on Haniyeh.

​​​​​​​Last month, rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah agreed to end their long-standing enmity and work to form a national unity government after talks held in China.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid