Beijing has assured Beirut of its support in the Middle East conflict and sharply criticised Israel for launching its deadliest wave of airstrikes in decades at the Lebanese militia Hezbollah.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New York said China is firmly supporting Lebanon in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, Wang met his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib in the U.S. city ahead of the UN General Assembly General Debate.
“No matter how the situation develops, China will continue to stand on the side of justice and of its “Arab brothers,” including Lebanon,” Wang said.
The Chinese minister condemned Israel’s “indiscriminate attacks against civilians” and communication facilities in Lebanon, expressing concern about the situation.
Wang also renewed the call for a ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
Beijing has taken a neutral stance in the current conflict in Gaza and has repeatedly called for negotiations on a ceasefire without directly condemning the attacks led by Palestinian militant organisation Hamas on October 7 which triggered the conflict, while it has criticised Israel’s military action.
On Monday, Israel said it had carried out more than 1,300 attacks on targets in Lebanon, including one in the capital Beirut, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a pre-emptive strike aimed at eliminating Hezbollah’s weaponry.
Lebanese authorities reported that at least 492 people were killed, including 35 children, and another 1,645 wounded in the Israeli strikes.
Monday’s attacks represent a significant escalation in the simmering dispute between Israel and Hezbollah, a firm backer of Hamas. (dpa/NAN)
