China fears Israel-Iran conflict may get 'out of control'
Smoke rises above buildings in Tehran following an Israeli strike on the sixth day of fighting between Iran and Israel.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday his country was concerned that the conflict between Israel and Iran "may get out of control", warning that the region could slide into an "abyss".
Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on Wednesday, the sixth day of strikes between the regional rivals, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East.
"Israel's acts of disregarding international law and international rules have caused the situation in the Middle East to suddenly become tense, and China is also deeply concerned that the situation may get out of control," Wang told his Egyptian counterpart in a phone call Wednesday, China's foreign ministry said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
3 hours ago
- eNCA
Iran threatens response if US crosses 'red line': ambassador
The United States is "complicit" in Israel's strikes in Iran, Tehran's ambassador to the United Nations claimed Wednesday, vowing that his country would respond if Washington crosses a "red line". After decades of enmity and a prolonged shadow war, Israel says its surprise air campaign that began on June 13 is aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons -- an ambition Tehran denies. Iran said early Wednesday that it fired hypersonic missiles at Israel in the latest round of overnight strikes between the arch foes. US President Donald Trump has said that Washington has played no part in the bombing campaign by its ally Israel, but has also warned Iran that his patience is wearing thin. AFP | Menahem Kahana "We firmly believe that the United States is complicit in what Israel is doing," Iranian ambassador Ali Bahreini told a press conference. "And at any time, at any point, if we come to the conclusion that the United States is directly involved in attacks against Iran, we will start responding to the United States." He said Tehran was "vigilant" about Trump's "completely unwarranted" and "hostile" remarks. "There is a line which, if crossed, there should be a response on our side... once the red line is crossed, the response will come," Bahreini said. - 'We will respond strongly' - "We will respond strongly and we will stop aggression from any side, be it Israel or the United States," he told the UN correspondents' association. "And we have given a message to the United States that we will respond very firmly and will stop the aggression by anybody -- including the United States. Bahreini also said Tehran was "resolute in responding to Israeli attacks". "We will respond very, very, very seriously and strongly, and that is what we are doing now. Nobody should expect Iran to show any kind of restraint," he said. He also criticised the attitude of Western and European nations. "Not only they are not condemning the attacks and aggression, they are trying to justify the aggression," he said. Addressing the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday, Bahreini issued a warning to Israel's allies. "The Israeli regime's supporters, and the United States at the forefront, should know that supporting this regime means directly supporting international humanitarian and human rights law violations," he said.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
China fears Israel-Iran conflict may get 'out of control'
Smoke rises above buildings in Tehran following an Israeli strike on the sixth day of fighting between Iran and Israel. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday his country was concerned that the conflict between Israel and Iran "may get out of control", warning that the region could slide into an "abyss". Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on Wednesday, the sixth day of strikes between the regional rivals, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. "Israel's acts of disregarding international law and international rules have caused the situation in the Middle East to suddenly become tense, and China is also deeply concerned that the situation may get out of control," Wang told his Egyptian counterpart in a phone call Wednesday, China's foreign ministry said.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Zero Tariffs, Infinite Trust: How China's Bold Trade Move Redefines Africa's Future
Discover how China's groundbreaking zero-tariff policy for African nations not only fosters economic growth but also strengthens diplomatic ties, paving the way for a prosperous future. Pictured is South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Image: Presidency By Michael Andisile Mayalo In a time when global economic uncertainty and geopolitical friction dominate headlines, China and Africa are offering a refreshing alternative: partnership, solidarity, and shared prosperity. The latest chapter in this evolving friendship came with an announcement that is as historic as it is strategic-China will grant zero-tariff treatment to 100% of taxable products from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. This remarkable initiative, announced during the June 2025 Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), is more than just a trade policy—it is a powerful expression of trust, mutual respect, and forward-looking cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter to the meeting set the tone for this moment of renewed commitment. In his message, he emphasised that China and Africa are 'good friends, good partners, and good brothers,' bound by shared aspirations and common goals. He praised the success of the ten cooperation actions agreed upon during the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC and reaffirmed China's pledge to accelerate the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo echoed these sentiments, affirming that the deep friendship between Africa and China is rooted in solidarity, mutual benefit, and a clear-eyed vision of long-term progress. Their messages were not ceremonial-they were statements of intent backed by concrete action. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A Win-Win Solution for Africa's Economic Aspirations The zero-tariff policy is especially significant because it comes at a time when African nations are striving to boost industrial capacity, diversify exports, and secure greater integration into global markets. Removing tariffs on all African exports to China opens an enormous door of opportunity for value-added products, manufactured goods, and agricultural items to reach one of the world's largest and most dynamic consumer bases. As noted in the recent China Daily piece, African leaders increasingly see China as a preferred and reliable development partner. This policy confirms why: it places no political conditions, imposes no pressure, and offers real, market-driven solutions to real development needs. China's approach is empowering. Rather than offering short-term aid, it is building sustainable economic linkages. Countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Senegal, which are developing robust manufacturing sectors, will now find it easier to export competitively to China. But perhaps even more crucially, least-developed countries across the continent stand to benefit the most, as their exports gain immediate and unrestricted access. The Changsha Declaration: A Shared Voice for the Global South This bold trade step was matched diplomatically by the release of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South. Signed by representatives from all 53 African nations, the African Union, and China, the declaration reaffirms the commitment to multilateralism and cooperation in an increasingly fragmented world. The declaration calls for a stronger collective voice in international affairs, and explicitly states opposition to unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying. It aligns perfectly with the zero-tariff decision-not as an isolated gesture, but as part of a broader effort to support inclusive globalization where developing nations play a central role. By supporting each other's core interests and respecting each other's development paths, China and Africa are demonstrating what modern diplomacy and fair trade can look like when rooted in equality. A Track Record of Delivery and Trust This is not the first time China has placed Africa at the centre of its global strategy. For 16 consecutive years, China has been Africa's largest trading partner. From the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to massive infrastructure projects, industrial parks, and clean energy investment, China's presence has been transformative across the continent. The zero-tariff initiative builds on these foundations. It gives African producers, farmers, and manufacturers the confidence to invest, expand, and compete. It also complements China's long-standing commitment to capacity-building, including thousands of scholarships, technical exchanges, and digital technology partnerships. This is not just trade-it is economic empowerment. At the June 11, 2025, press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed that China will continue to strengthen economic cooperation with Africa, prioritise the implementation of FOCAC outcomes, and ensure that African voices are heard in global affairs. He stated that China is ready to work with African friends to "deepen practical cooperation and deliver more tangible results to the African people." That promise is already being kept. A Friendship That Sets a Global Example What sets this China-Africa partnership apart is its consistency. It is not driven by short-term headlines or geopolitical competition-it is built on long-term alignment and mutual respect. China sees Africa not just as a market or resource base, but as a strategic partner and friend. There is an authenticity to the relationship that resonates with African nations. China does not dictate political systems or demand policy changes. Instead, it listens, collaborates, and builds. That is why, time and again, African leaders praise China's development model and diplomatic approach. And the public feels it too. African perceptions of China remain overwhelmingly positive, driven by real-life impacts-new roads, better hospitals, growing exports, and increased educational access. This kind of people-centered development is where diplomacy meets everyday life. Looking Ahead: Prosperity Through Partnership As we look to the future, the zero-tariff initiative is a gateway to deeper economic integration, industrialization, and mutual prosperity. It sends a clear message: China believes in Africa's potential, and is backing that belief with action. By eliminating barriers and encouraging African exports, China is proving that global trade can be fair, inclusive, and truly win-win. In an era defined by challenges, the China-Africa relationship is a beacon of what cooperation should look like-visionary, respectful, and full of promise. * Michael Andisile Mayalo is an independent commentator and writer ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
