BEIJING (ABC): China has said that it is ready to play a constructive role in cooling down the situation between Pakistan and Iran.
“If there is need from the two sides, we would like to play a constructive role in cooling down the situation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press briefing in Beijing.
To a question about whether China is mediating between Iran and Pakistan, Mao Ning said, “We are following closely the developments of the situation. China always stands that relations between countries should be handled in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law and that countries’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be respected and safeguarded.”
The spokesperson further said Iran and Pakistan are close neighbours and countries who have influence and keep friendly relations with China. “China sincerely hopes that the two sides will remain calm and restraint and avoid escalation of the tension,” the spokesperson added.