China upholds objective, just, balanced position in promoting Iran ceasefire: spokeswoman

China has been dedicated to promoting a ceasefire in the Middle East in an objective, just, and balanced position as tensions are escalating in the region, said spokeswoman of China's foreign ministry Mao Ning on Tuesday.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Mao addressed the latest developments, with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran dragging on and rising global concern over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

"The situation in the Middle East is still worsening, with the war continuing to escalate, posing risks to the global economy and energy security while triggering grave concerns from the international community," Mao said.

"Since the outbreak of the war, China has upheld an objective, just, and balanced position to promote a ceasefire. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 phone calls with Iran, Israel, Russia, and Gulf countries, while the Chinese government's special envoy on the Middle East has conducted shuttle diplomacy in the region. Recently, China and Pakistan jointly put forward a five-point initiative, which reflects a broad international consensus on ending the war and promoting a ceasefire," she said.

"Force cannot deliver peace, and a political solution is the only viable path. The root cause of the war in Iran is the U.S.-Israel military attacks on Iran in violation of international law. The pressing priority is an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue and negotiation to address the root causes of the conflict and restore peace and stability in the Gulf region. All parties should demonstrate their sincerity to bring this war, which should never have happened, to an end," she said.

China upholds objective, just, balanced position in promoting Iran ceasefire: spokeswoman

China upholds objective, just, balanced position in promoting Iran ceasefire: spokeswoman

Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong on Thursday urged the European Union (EU) to join hands with China in promoting the sound development of bilateral economic and trade ties.

Commenting on a possible trade agreement between the two sides following German delegations' recent visits to China at a press briefing in Beijing, He said China has always held an opening attitude toward trade ties with the EU.

"China and the EU are important economic and trade partners. Over the years, their cooperation has been built on a solid foundation, with strong growth momentum and deeply interwoven supply and industrial chains, forming a pattern of complementary strengths and mutual benefit. China has always maintained an open attitude toward bilateral trade arrangements with the EU and welcomes relevant proposals from European leaders," the spokesman said.

He underscored China's openness to deeper cooperation, but also cautioned that recent EU practices have posed challenges for Chinese enterprises.

"However, the EU has employed various trade tools including investigation to restrict Chinese enterprises over the recent years. We hope the EU will listen more to the voices of its member states and industries, abandon protectionist practices, and work with China in the same direction, replacing barriers with openness and cooperation, resolving frictions through dialogue and consultation, and jointly promoting the sound development of China-EU economic and trade relations," He said.

Chinese ministry of commerce urges EU to work with China for sound trade growth