BEIJING: China's top diplomat reiterated calls for parties involved in a fragile Middle East ceasefire to respect the truce, expressing hope that the United States and Iran would each make concessions, state media said Wednesday (May 27).
Foreign minister Wang Yi made the statement during an open debate session of the UN Security Council as Iran accused the United States of breaching the ceasefire and warning of retaliation.
US forces had attacked missile sites in southern Iran as well as boats trying to lay mines, threatening a deal to end the war.
China has been making efforts to resolve the conflict, and has maintained communication and coordination with the main parties involved, Wang told reporters at the UN session in New York on Tuesday.
"We hope that the parties concerned can stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and continue to meet each other halfway, so that peace can return to the Middle East as early as possible," Wang said, according to state news agency Xinhua.
"We support the active mediation by Pakistan and other countries, and also support efforts made by the United States and Iran, respectively," Wang said.
He added that he hoped involved parties will "continue to meet each other halfway". - AFP
