Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the dangers of military escalation in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue during a joint press conference with French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris on Friday. Stressing that "war is not a solution," Wang warned that preemptive strikes lack legitimacy and risk triggering broader conflicts, while urging renewed focus on dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
"The abuse of military force will only lead to further conflict and accumulate more hatred," Wang stated, referencing recent tensions between Israel and Iran. He criticized the U.S. for setting a "negative precedent" by attacking nuclear facilities in sovereign nations, cautioning that such actions could unleash catastrophic global consequences.
Wang reaffirmed China’s support for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under international oversight, while calling for accelerated negotiations to restore the 2015 nuclear deal. "History will test the sincerity of all parties," he said, advocating for IAEA-monitored agreements to ensure regional stability.
The foreign minister linked Middle East peace to resolving the Palestinian issue, urging an immediate end to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. "The ‘two-state solution’ remains the only realistic path to break the cycle of turmoil," he asserted, urging concrete international action to address Arab aspirations and Islamic world concerns.
As permanent UN Security Council members, Wang said China and France must "uphold justice" by opposing double standards and prioritizing conflict resolution through diplomacy. He called for the UN to play a stronger role in de-escalation efforts, pledging Sino-French collaboration to advance peace initiatives.
