At a press conference, the spokesperson lamented the recent outbreak of serious clashes in the region and stressed that the essence of the problem is very clear.

China aspires to a sustained and effective ceasefire and seeks to promote a return to peace and stability in the Middle East, Mao noted.

The spokesperson also addressed statements, allegedly made by the Israeli consul general in Shanghai, suggesting that Beijing should use its political and economic influence to curb Iran’s military and nuclear ambitions.

Mao emphasized that the Iranian nuclear issue must be resolved peacefully through political and diplomatic efforts.

China hopes that all parties involved will work together to move the Iranian nuclear issue toward a political solution, she stated.

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