China will continue to play a constructive role and make positive contributions to restoring peace and tranquility in the Gulf and Middle East region, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.
Mao made the remarks while responding to a question about the latest developments in the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
"Since the outbreak of the war in Iran, China has been actively committed to promoting peace and a ceasefire. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 phone calls with relevant parties, and China's special envoy on the Middle East issue has made multiple visits to the Middle East and Gulf region in mediation efforts. China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point initiative on restoring peace and stability in this region," said Mao.
"As a responsible major country, China will continue to play a constructive role and make positive contributions to restoring peace and tranquility in the Gulf and the broader Middle East," she said.
China to continue contributing to restoring peace in Gulf, Middle East region: spokeswoman
Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, with densely populated neighborhoods in the capital, Beirut, among the hardest hit.
Lebanon's Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine said that the airstrikes had killed 89 people and injured 722. The death toll continues to rise as the Israeli airstrikes continue.
Footage taken by a China Media Group (CMG) reporter in Beirut showed thick smoke billowing from densely packed buildings in the Lebanese capital after the attack.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement saying that it conducted a large-scale airstrike in multiple locations in Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting more than 100 Hezbollah command centers and military targets.
The IDF also mentioned that this is the largest strike since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday strongly condemned Israel's airstrikes against Lebanon, saying that Israel has repeatedly violated international law and committed another act of genocide.
Aoun said Israel was blatantly violating all humanitarian principles and undermined efforts to achieve peace and stability, and Israel should bear full responsibility for the consequences of its actions.
Aoun also called on the international community to take action to curb Israel's aggressive behavior that threatens regional security.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that Lebanon welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, but Israel has continued to escalate its attacks, causing civilian casualties in Lebanon.
Salam also called on the international community to use all feasible measures to stop Israeli attacks.
Israeli airstrikes kill at least 89 across Lebanon, wounding over 700: Lebanese minister
