Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China has consistently advocated for peace talks to solve the Ukraine crisis and welcomes the efforts of all parties to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.
Wang said China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been open and consistent, which includes insisting on peace talks, not providing lethal weapons to the parties in the conflict, and strictly controlling the export of drones and other dual-use items -- goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
China has not only fulfilled its international responsibilities, but also initiated the "Friends of Peace" group with Brazil and other Global South countries at the United Nations, mobilizing greater efforts for ceasefire and ending the conflict, Wang said, adding that China's objective and fair position has been widely recognized by the international community.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly indicated that there is no simple solution to complex problems, Wang noted, emphasizing that although there are still major differences in the positions of the parties concerned, it is better to talk than to fight.
The history of Europe over the past centuries has proved that no matter how complex and difficult the situation is, the door to peace and reconciliation should not be closed, Wang said.
China welcomes all parties to play a constructive role in promoting the conclusion of a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement, building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture, and achieving enduring peace and stability in Europe at an early date, Wang added.
The Chinese foreign minister is paying a visit to Europe, including the European Union (EU) headquarters in Brussels, Germany and France, from June 30 to July 6.
Chinese FM calls for peace talks to solve Ukraine crisis
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
