China stands ready to work with all parties to create opportunities for peace and open a window for peace negotiations in the Middle East, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.
Mao made the remarks in response to a question about the current situation in the Middle East.
"The current situation in the Middle East is the focus of attention for all parties. The situation remains tense, and the spread of conflict serves no one's interests. The urgent task now is to start peace talks," said Mao.
"We believe that the mediation efforts made by Pakistan, China, and some other countries are in the common interests of all parties. We are willing to work together with all parties, including Pakistan, to overcome difficulties, eliminate interference, and end the fighting as soon as possible by creating opportunities for peace and opening a window for peace negotiations," she said.
China urges peace talks in Middle East: spokeswoman
China urges peace talks in Middle East: spokeswoman
China urges peace talks in Middle East: spokeswoman
U.S. President Donald Trump said he is strongly considering pulling the United States out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the alliance failed to join the attacks on Iran, The Telegraph reported on Wednesday.
When asked if he would reconsider America's membership in the alliance after the conflict, he said the question is "beyond reconsideration," adding, "I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger."
Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with NATO for "not being there," saying it was "actually hard to believe."
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump would make a decision on the future of NATO given the fact that some U.S. allies refuse to provide support, after the end of U.S. military operations against Iran.
Following Trump's criticism, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is not changing his position on the war.
Multiple European countries have kept their distance from the conflict with Iran. Starmer on Monday said his country will not get dragged into the conflict "whatever the pressure and whoever it's coming from," while Spain on Monday closed its airspace to all flights related to the U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran.
Trump calls NATO 'paper tiger,' considers withdrawal
