Xi seeks Middle East cease-fire in phone call with Putin
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a cease-fire amid Iran-Israel tensions during phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, describing it as an "urgent priority," the Foreign Ministry said.
Xi said the international community should make efforts to de-escalate the situation and that disputes should be resolved through negotiations rather than force, stressing the need to protect civilians, according to the Chinese ministry.
In an apparent reference to the United States, Xi said "major powers that have a special influence on the parties involved in the conflict" should strive to cool down the situation, rather than the opposite, the ministry said.
Putin expressed Moscow's readiness to mediate a possible settlement of the conflict, according to Russia's Tass news agency.
Israel said last week that it had begun striking nuclear facilities and military targets in Iran, claiming that its regional archrival is nearing the acquisition of a nuclear weapon. The strike triggered retaliatory attacks from Tehran.
Tensions in the region have been further fueled by speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump may join Israel in striking Iran.
Xi specifically urged Israel to agree to a cease-fire as soon as possible to prevent further escalation, the Chinese ministry said.
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