- By Radha Basnet
- Thu, 18 Jan 2024 04:05 PM (IST)
- Source:PTI
Amid growing tension between Pakistan and Iran following their missile strikes against each other over the last two days, China on Thursday offered to play a "constructive role" to ease the situation and asked the two countries to "exercise restraint and avoid escalation". Earlier today, Pakistan conducted strikes against Iran, targeting separatist Baloch militants, the Pakistani foreign ministry said.
The development came two days after Tehran said it had attacked two bases of the Balochi militant group Jaish al Adl in Pakistani territory. At least nine people were killed when Pakistan conducted "precision military strikes" against what it called "terrorist hideouts" in Iran's Siestan-Balochistan province.
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The recent missile strikes between Pakistan and Iran have put China in a piquant situation as Pakistan is an all-weather ally, while Tehran warmed up to Beijing in recent years enabling China to expand its influence in the West Asia region. China also imports a considerable amount of oil from Iran.
"Did you say that Pakistan launched strikes on Iran? I'm not aware of this," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a media briefing when asked whether China is aware of Pakistan airstrikes inside Iran. "But we are paying great attention to this and China always believes that relations between countries should be handled based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law," Mao said as quoted by news agency PTI.
Speaking on the matter, Mao said sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and protected. "Iran and Pakistan are close neighbours and countries with influence. We hope both parties can exercise restraint and calmness and avoid escalation if they need we are ready to play a constructive role in easing the situation”, she said.
On Monday, Iran launched a missile attack into Iraq close to the US Consulate complex in the city of Irbil, as well as into northern Syria targeting the Islamic State organization.
(With Agencies Inputs)