China Calls For Immediate Ceasefire After US, Israel Bomb Iran

Article content(Bloomberg) — China called for an immediate ceasefire following the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran, as President Xi Jinping’s government weighs its options in the Middle East.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle content“China is highly concerned about the US and Israel’s military strikes against Iran,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement Saturday. “China calls for an immediate cessation of military operations, to avoid further escalation of tensions, to resume dialogue and negotiations, and to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East.”Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentThe US and Israel began striking targets across Iran on Saturday, with President Donald Trump urging Iranians to overthrow the government in a conflict that threatens to spiral across the oil-rich Middle East. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentChina-Iran trade is heavily tilted in Beijing’s favor. China accounts for about a third of Iranian trade, while the Islamic Republic represents less than 1% of global commerce for the world’s second-biggest economy, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. While Beijing buys some 90% of Iran’s oil exports in defiance of US sanctions, the Middle East nation is ultimately a replaceable energy partner for China.Article contentEven so, about a third of China’s crude supply comes from ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway next to Iran linking the Persian Gulf to the open seas. After Saturday’s bombing, a number of oil tankers avoided sailing through the strait, as some shipowners took a cautious approach. Article contentChina has strengthened diplomatic and economic ties with Tehran in recent years, although it has no formal alliance with the Islamic Republic. Xi supported Iran’s bid to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization security club in 2023, as well as its ascension to the BRICS bloc — groupings Beijing has bolstered to challenge US power on the world stage. Article contentArticle contentAlthough Beijing signed a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement in 2021, which included a reported $400 billion in Chinese investment pledges, implementation of that deal has been weak. China’s economic interests in the wider Gulf region now far outweigh its economic ties to Iran. Article contentBeijing has also been reluctant to provide weapons to Iran over concerns about US sanctions. During the last flareup of Middle East tensions, China was quick to condemn the attacks and offered a four-point blueprint for the Israel-Iran war, but stopped short of offering material support.Article contentSeparately, a Chinese state media outlet condemned the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran. Article contentThe military actions taken by the US and Israel “breed chaos, inviting a cycle of retaliation that could engulf the entire region,” the China Daily wrote in an editorial on Saturday. “The priority must be the prevention of a broader war.”Article contentChina Daily is an English-language propaganda unit of the Communist Party. Article content—With assistance from Li Liu.Article contentTrending Explosions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi jolt Mideast financial hubs PMN Business Canada's housing market suffers largest price decline among major economies, says BIS Real Estate Philip Cross: Weak business investment frustrates Carney's plan FP Comment This TSX top performer surged 18% this week with a potentially powerful 'catalyst' waiting in the wings, says TD analyst Investor The (high) opportunity cost of paying off your mortgage early Mortgages Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Explosions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi jolt Mideast financial hubs PMN Business Canada's housing market suffers largest price decline among major economies, says BIS Real Estate Philip Cross: Weak business investment frustrates Carney's plan FP Comment This TSX top performer surged 18% this week with a potentially powerful 'catalyst' waiting in the wings, says TD analyst Investor The (high) opportunity cost of paying off your mortgage early Mortgages