Israelis voiced opposition to military retaliation against Iran amid escalation of tensions between the two countries and beyond, and called for peaceful solution during interviews with China Central Television.
Iran and allied armed groups launched coordinated drone and missile strikes on Israel late night on April 13 in retaliation for a deadly Israeli assault on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1.
On Friday, Israel allegedly struck sites near the city of Isfahan in central Iran, in what appeared to be its military response to Iran's attack.
So far, Israel has not officially acknowledged the strikes on Isfahan, while Iran has not publicly accused Israel of carrying out them.
During the interviews, Israelis voiced concerns over the recent Iran-Israel tension and hoped for a peaceful solution.
"I think we have to wait and to see what will come," said Mitia, an Israeli resident.
"We are very worried about the situation, and we actually don't know what the solution is. I hope it's going to be peace. I mean, nobody is going away from this area. We are going to be here together. And I hope we find some kind of solution to the conflict," said Yuri, another Israeli resident.
Some Israelis also noted the potential spillover effect of the military escalation in the region.
"I think that the long-term escalation, I hope it doesn't escalate to proportions that are very devastating and maybe worldly problems. But I do think that it has been a long time coming, this conflict," said Saul, an Israeli resident.
Israelis call for peaceful solution to Iran-Israel tension
Israelis call for peaceful solution to Iran-Israel tension
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
