China calls on all parties to avoid escalating tensions in Middle East

China called on all sides to avoid provocative words and military actions that could fuel further escalation, as the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Thursday amid renewed U.S.-Iran tensions.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, noted that a new round of tit‑for‑tat strikes between the United States and Iran had recently spilled over into targets in Bahrain and Kuwait.

He reiterated that China has always called on all parties to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and rejects the use or threat of force in international relations.

Fu urged all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, avoid threatening rhetoric and military adventurism, and refrain from any actions that could further escalate tensions.

He also stressed that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all countries in the Middle East should be respected, and that civilians and non‑military targets must be protected.

"China welcomes the launch of follow-up consultations on the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, and the consensus reached on the next-phase negotiating mechanism. Facts have shown time and again that force and power politics cannot resolve issues — dialogue and negotiation are the only right path. With joint efforts from all sides, the conflict has finally turned toward dialogue. But the ceasefire remains fragile, and whether genuine peace can be achieved will depend on the continued efforts of all parties," said Fu.

Looking ahead, China has put forward three proposals.

First, consolidate the full ceasefire. The U.S. and Iran should show maximum sincerity, faithfully implement the memorandum of understanding, maintain the momentum of negotiations, and work toward an early comprehensive agreement acceptable to both sides, countries in the region, and the international community.

Second, restore normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. Safe and free passage is vital for global supply chain stability and serves the common interests of the region and beyond.

Third, improve relations among countries in the region. The Middle East, including the Gulf, should no longer be an arena for great power rivalry or a victim of geopolitical maneuvering.

China will continue to work with the international community to play a constructive role in advancing political solutions to regional flashpoints and upholding peace and stability in the Middle East, Fu said.

China calls on all parties to avoid escalating tensions in Middle East

Japanese journalist Toshihiro Yoshida, a long-time observer and critic of Japan's military expansion, has warned that the military buildup pursued by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration risks plunging Japan into war again.

Yoshida made the point as the Takaichi administration continues pushing forward with revising the country's three key security documents -- the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy and the Defense Buildup Program while accelerating the deployment of long-range missiles and conducting joint military exercises with the United States.

"In line with the three security documents, the Japanese government has begun deploying long-range missiles capable of reaching China, while continuously expanding ammunition depots and promoting the use of civilian airports and ports by U.S. and Japan's Self-Defense Forces," said Yoshida.

He criticized the Takaichi administration for showing insufficient reflection on historical issues while continuously focusing on military expansion, which raises the risk that Japan could once again become a wartime aggressor.

"In Japanese political circles, especially among conservatives, including some politicians from the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, there is a lack of historical reflection. This raises concerns that Japan may be preparing for another war. The current military buildup and war preparedness, which are heightening regional tensions, should be halted," he said.

Yoshida also stressed the need for Japan to strengthen historical education and face up to its history of aggression.

"In Japanese society, awareness of Japan's historical responsibility as the aggressor remains insufficient, particularly the harm inflicted on China, Southeast Asia, and Pacific island nations during the war of aggression against China and the Pacific War. Relevant historical education should be strengthened so that the Japanese people can earnestly learn about that period of history," he said.

Japanese journalist warns Takaichi's military buildup risks plunging Japan into war again