U.N. calls for de-escalation in Middle East

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday issued a statement expressing deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, calling on all parties concerned to immediately cease hostilities, exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could further exacerbate the already highly tense situation.

In the statement, Guterres reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict in the Middle East, and that the only way forward is through dialog and negotiation.

All parties concerned should commit to seeking a solution through diplomatic channels to promote regional and international peace and security, he said.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, on Monday also issued a statement on the situation between Lebanon and Israel, expressing deep concern over the recent escalation of conflict.

He urged all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint, strictly adhere to the previously agreed-upon ceasefire, and avoid undermining diplomatic efforts.

Speaking at a press briefing at the U.N. headquarters in New York on the day, Haq said that over the past three days, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had recorded frequent military activities within its area of operations, with more than 2,100 exchanges of fire and frequent violations of Lebanese airspace.

Meanwhile, as shelters in the Lebanese capital of Beirut and across southern Lebanon have reached capacity, it has become extremely difficult to safely carry out large-scale evacuations of local displaced people, he said.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a stern warning that, without additional financial assistance, humanitarian relief operations in Lebanon could be forced to halt or scale back as early as July 1, Haq said.

"We urge all actors to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action that could further inflame an already volatile situation. We urge all parties to fully abide by the ceasefire jointly announced by Lebanon, Israel and the United States last week and to avoid any steps that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve a durable peace," he said.

U.N. calls for de-escalation in Middle East

China has stepped up efforts to promote the implementation of its multiple key marine ecological protection projects since the beginning of this year, with a balance between marine ecological protection and marine economic development.

In the waters off Weizhou Island in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, coral colonies cultivated through ecological restoration projects have successfully achieved large-scale natural spawning for the first time this year. The milestone indicates that a complete ecological self-recovery system has been established in the artificially restored marine area.

Across the country, the pace of construction on major ecological projects, including the Blue Bay environmental improvement initiative and coral reef restoration efforts, has accelerated since the beginning of the year.

Meanwhile, pilot projects of the Harmonious and Beautiful Islands program have advanced steadily, with the first batch of 33 islands covered by the program taking shape as models of green landscapes, clean shores, clear waters and abundant marine life.

The improved health of coastal ecosystems is now fueling growth in emerging marine industries.

"From January to April, China's marine economy achieved innovation-driven and high-quality development. Marine passenger traffic and passenger turnover increased by 7.3 percent and 11.1 percent year on year, respectively. Several marine-derived medicines have also gained approval for clinical trials. Next, we will remain committed to protecting our country's blue seas and coastlines, and further strengthen the blue foundation for sustainable use of marine resources," said Meng Qinglei, deputy director of the Department of Marine Strategy, Planning and Economy at the Ministry of Natural Resources.

China achieves balanced development of marine ecology, economy