Chinese FM warns force will only fuel hatred, new crises

Force provides no solution and armed conflict will only deepen hatred and breed new crises, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

He made the remarks when asked how China views the current situation in Iran at a news conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

"This is a war that should not have happened—a war that does no one any good," he said, calling for an immediate halt to military operations and urging efforts to prevent the situation from escalating further, and avoid the conflict spilling over and spreading.

"The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran and all countries in the Gulf region should be respected and must not be violated," he said.

"Might does not make right. Civilians should not be victimized," Wang told the news conference.

He also emphasized that the people of the Middle East are the true masters of the region. "Middle East affairs should be determined by regional countries independently. Plotting color revolutions or seeking regime change will find no popular support."

He called on all parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and resolve differences through equal-footed dialogue, while making joint efforts to achieve common security.

China is ready to work with countries in the Middle East to implement the Global Security Initiative, help restore order in the region, bring peace and stability to its people, and contribute to lasting peace in the world, Wang added.