China has urged all parties to stop military operations and prevent further spread of the current conflict in the Middle East, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

Ms Mao made the remarks after Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Gulf Cooperation Council states and other U.S. military installations following the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.

The U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran without the authorisation of the UN Security Council, which violates international law, Ms Mao said at a regular news conference.

“China expresses deep concern over the spillover effects of the conflict affecting neighbouring countries,” she said.

China stated that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all Gulf countries should also be fully respected.

China hailed the GCC extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers, restating that dialogue and diplomacy are the only means to resolve the current crisis and safeguard regional security.

Given the complex and sensitive regional situation right now, China supports regional countries in proceeding from the perspective of good neighbourliness and friendship, bolstering communication and coordination, and collectively striving for peace and stability in the region, she noted. 

(Xinhua/NAN)