On March 3rd, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning continued to answer questions from Chinese and foreign journalists regarding the situation in Iran at a regular press conference.

China's Three Positions on the Current Situation in Iran

A reporter asked: The current situation in Iran remains tense, and military conflicts are still ongoing. We have noticed that Foreign Minister Wang Yi has had phone conversations with foreign ministers from multiple countries regarding this matter. Can the Chinese side further introduce the specific situation? Mao Ning stated that recently, Foreign Minister Wang Yi has had phone conversations with the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, France, and Oman, clarifying China's position and actively promoting peace and preventing war. Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that it is unacceptable for the United States and Israel to launch attacks on Iran during the Iran US negotiation process, openly killing a sovereign leader and inciting regime change. These actions violate international law and basic norms of international relations. China's position is: first, immediately cease military actions; second, return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible; third, jointly oppose unilateral actions, "Mao Ning said. Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that China supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. China attaches great importance to the legitimate demands of Gulf countries and supports them in safeguarding their sovereignty and national security. Major powers cannot attack other countries arbitrarily based on military advantages, and the world cannot return to the law of the jungle. The international community should resist any behavior that violates international law and jointly defend the basic norms of international relations. China will continue to play a constructive role, including upholding justice, striving for peace, and stopping wars on the United Nations Security Council platform, "Mao Ning said.

Call on all parties to effectively ensure the safety of civilians and avoid attacking civilian facilities

A reporter asked: A girls' elementary school in Iran was attacked by Israeli missiles last Saturday, and the office building of an Iranian audiovisual organization located in Tehran was also attacked recently. A series of dangerous acts targeting civilians and civilian facilities such as children and journalists have emerged in this conflict, which is similar to the Gaza conflict. What is China's comment on this? We deeply mourn and strongly condemn the military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which have caused a large number of civilian casualties. Mao Ning said that the red line for protecting civilians in armed conflicts cannot be crossed, and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable. China calls on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law, ensure the safety of civilians, and avoid attacking civilian facilities. When answering questions about the situation of Chinese citizens, Mao Ning said that since the tense security situation in Iran, as of March 2nd, more than 3000 Chinese citizens have evacuated from Iran. Chinese embassies and consulates in neighboring countries of Iran have dispatched a working group to the port to provide assistance to Chinese citizens evacuated from Iran.

Maintain the safety of the Strait of Hormuz waterway to prevent greater impact on the global economy

A reporter asked: According to foreign media reports, China is pressuring Iranian officials to avoid any actions that may affect Qatar's natural gas exports or affect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. What is the comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this? Mao Ning stated that energy security is crucial to the world economy, and all parties have a responsibility to ensure stable and smooth energy supply. China urges all parties to immediately cease military actions, avoid escalating tensions, maintain the safety of the Strait of Hormuz waterway, and prevent greater impact on the global economy.

Respect Iran's legitimate right to peaceful use of nuclear energy and call for a prompt return to dialogue and negotiations

A reporter asked: On March 2nd, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Grossi, stated that the agency has not seen Iran having a systematic nuclear weapons manufacturing program and that other countries may have their own political considerations. What is China's comment on this? How do you view the prospects of the Iranian nuclear issue? Mao Ning stated that the United States has launched another attack on Iran during the negotiation process, violating international law and basic norms of international relations, leading to a sudden escalation of the situation in the Middle East. China is highly concerned about this. China has always advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation, respecting Iran's legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We have noticed that Iran has repeatedly reiterated that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons and has recently engaged in serious negotiations with the United States. "Mao Ning said," The Iranian nuclear issue ultimately needs to return to the track of political and diplomatic resolution. We call for an immediate cessation of military action, a return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible, the maintenance of the international nuclear non-proliferation system, and the maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East and the worldEditor/Yang Meiling