Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), expressed his shock on Saturday over military strikes occurred at a time when the United States and Iran were engaged in diplomatic negotiations. 

Fu made remarks at the UN Security Council conference on the situation in the Middle East. He expressed China's deep concern over the situation and supported the UN Secretary-General's call for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations.

The United States and Israel brazenly launched military strikes against targets inside Iran on Saturday, causing a sudden escalation of regional tensions. Fu noted that China is deeply concerned about the developments. China consistently advocates that all parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and opposes and condemns the use or threat of force in international relations. He emphasized that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran and other countries in the region must be respected.

China is deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties resulting from the conflict. At all times, the red line for protecting civilians in armed conflict must not be crossed and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable, Fu noted.

China calls on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, to effectively ensure the safety of civilians and to refrain from attacking civilian facilities, the ambassador said.

The use of force is not the right way to settle international disputes; it will only intensify hatred and confrontation, Fu said. The escalation and spillover of tensions in the Middle East serve no one's interests. Dialogue and negotiation are the only paths to resolving differences and disputes. China calls for an immediate cessation of military operations to prevent further cycles of escalation. 

Fu emphasized that the parties concerned should demonstrate political sincerity, resume dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, and return to the right track of a political solution.

Fu also remarked that China stands ready to work with the international community to build consensus for peace and help restore peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date.