Against the current backdrop of rampant unilateral bullying, China and Britain bear the responsibility to uphold the international order established after World War II, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said during a phone conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy that the two sides also share a responsibility to uphold the UN-centered international system and protect the multilateral trading system.
Noting that the momentum of improvement and easing in China-Britain relations has not come easily and requires utmost cherishing, Wang said China is willing to work with Britain to overcome various disruptions and distractions and steer the bilateral relationship steadily forward.
Wang said that the use by the United States of tariffs as a weapon to launch indiscriminate attacks on other countries is a practice that violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and harms the legitimate interests of other countries.
By standing up against the United States' use of tariffs as a weapon, China, as a responsible country, aims not only to defend its own legitimate rights and interests but also to uphold international rules and the multilateral trading system, he said.
Lammy said that the UK appreciates the positive momentum in the current development of bilateral relations with China, and added that it has always been an open country that firmly supports free trade.
As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, both the UK and China bear important responsibilities for the sustainable development of the world economy and international trade, said Lammy, affirming that his country is willing to maintain communication with China in this regard.
Chinese FM calls on China, Britain to uphold international order established after WWII
Chinese FM calls on China, Britain to uphold international order established after WWII
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
