BEIJING: In a significant diplomatic development, China has called upon both Pakistan and Iran to exercise “restraint” following an airstrike by Tehran on Pakistani territory, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could escalate tensions, urging the two nations to collaborate in maintaining peace and stability.
We consider both Iran and Pakistan as close neighbors and major Islamic countries,” stated Mao Ning during a regular briefing on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan summoned the Iranian charge d’affaires to express a robust protest over the tragic incident that claimed the lives of innocent children in cross-border air raids. Islamabad strongly condemned the unprovoked violation of its airspace, asserting that such actions are entirely unacceptable and may have severe consequences.
Despite the existence of multiple communication channels, Iran’s choice of an aggressive approach raised concerns in Pakistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conveyed its strongest condemnation of the violation to the Iranian Charge d’affaires, emphasizing that such unilateral acts are incompatible with good neighborly relations and have the potential to seriously undermine bilateral trust and confidence.
The Iranian attack, reportedly targeting the so-called bases of the Baloch terror group Jaish al-Adl, involved missiles and drones. However, the outcome tragically resulted in civilian casualties, exacerbating tensions in the Middle East already strained by Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely watching, and diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions between Iran and Pakistan. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.