China urges Israel to stop attacks on Iran

China’s foreign minister said that the recent strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran should end immediately. He told his Israeli counterpart that using force rarely solves problems; it often creates new ones and leaves lasting damage. The real power of a military lies in keeping peace, not fighting wars. Explosions were heard in Tehran and Beirut last Tuesday. Stock markets around the world fell because people feared a long‑term break in global oil supplies caused by the U. S. and Israeli air campaign against Iran.The Chinese diplomat said his country supports solving international disputes through discussion and negotiation. He added that China will keep helping to calm the situation. Earlier this week, he talked with Iran’s foreign minister, Oman’s diplomat, and France’s representative. He urged Gulf states to stand together against outside meddling. On Sunday he also spoke with Russia’s foreign minister about the crisis in Iran. China has not spoken to the U. S. secretary of state since the attacks began, when several senior Iranian officials were killed.