China urges Gulf states to unite against external interference amid widening conflict

The Gulf states should strengthen unity to "keep their future and destiny in their own hands", says its foreign minister. Read more at straitstimes.com.

BEIJING - China's foreign minister urged Gulf countries to unite to oppose external interference on March 2, after US-Israeli attacks on Iran triggered a widening conflict in the region.

China hoped that the Gulf states would strengthen unity and develop neighbourly friendship to "keep their future and destiny in their own hands", Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with his Omani counterpart, according to a statement released by the ministry.

In a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on the same day, Mr Wang said he believed that Iran could maintain national and social stability as well as attach importance to the legitimate concerns of its neighbours, a separate statement showed.

Attacks by the United States and Israel from Feb 28 killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and prompted retaliatory Iranian strikes on Israel and other Gulf countries hosting US military bases.

Mr Wang voiced support for Gulf countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and national security, as well as for Iran in safeguarding its own legitimate rights and interests.

In a phone call with France's foreign minister on March 2, Mr Wang called on Paris to work with China to promote the easing of tensions, according to another ministry statement.