China Urges Restraint as Trump Considers Action Against Iran
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized Beijing's longstanding position against external meddling during a press briefing in the capital.
"We always oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs and call on parties that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected," Mao stated.
"We oppose the use of force or the threat of use of force in international relations. We call on all parties to act in ways conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East," she added.
Beijing's response followed Trump's harsh assessment of Iran's leadership amid the country's escalating crisis. Speaking to journalists Sunday while traveling on Air Force One from his Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Florida, back to Washington, DC, the president delivered a scathing characterization of Tehran's rulers.
"These are violent -- if you call them leaders -- I don't know if they're leaders or just, they rule through violence. But, we're looking at it very seriously," Trump said.
"The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options. We'll make a determination," he continued.
The Iranian government has confronted waves of protest activity since December 28, initially sparked by the currency's precipitous decline and deteriorating economic circumstances.
US-based monitoring organization HRANA has documented 490 protester fatalities and 48 deaths among security forces, with arrests exceeding 10,600 individuals. Official casualty figures from Iranian authorities have not been released.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday characterized the demonstrations as a coordinated attack on the state.
"Iranian authorities possess audio recordings of voice messages sent to terrorist elements ordering them to open fire on civilians and security forces," he claimed.
Araghchi alleged that armed groups have attacked government facilities, law enforcement stations, and commercial establishments, asserting that officials have obtained photographic evidence of weapons being supplied to demonstrators.
"China hopes the Iranian government and people will overcome the current difficulties and uphold stability in the country," Mao said in Beijing.
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