BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on all parties involved in the Iran-Israel conflict to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Amid mounting hostilities in the region, Xi emphasised that “war is not the solution to any problem” and advocated for diplomacy and dialogue as the only viable means of resolving disputes. “All relevant parties should exercise restraint and take concrete actions to reduce tensions without delay,” he said, according to Chinese state media. Xi reiterated China’s firm opposition to violations of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. “China stands firmly against any acts that infringe upon the sovereignty and dignity of other nations,” he stated.
Though Xi did not explicitly mention Iran or Israel, his remarks come at a time of heightened concern over the potential for a broader regional conflict, as both nations have engaged in retaliatory strikes and increasingly aggressive rhetoric. Chinese officials have consistently called on the United Nations and major powers to take an active, constructive role in promoting peace and preventing further escalation. Earlier this week, China’s Foreign Ministry released a statement urging an immediate ceasefire and calling on all parties to respect international law and safeguard regional stability.
In a separate address, President Xi issued a pointed message to global powers—particularly the United States—warning that no nation is immune to decline if it fails to respect others and adapt to global shifts.Without directly naming the U.S., Xi remarked that the world is prepared to move forward without any country that refuses to evolve or honor the international community. “History shows that no empire is invincible. Every dominant power has eventually faced decline,” he said.
Drawing parallels to the fall of the British Empire, Xi noted that Britain once controlled global trade and influence, yet ultimately receded from its dominant position. “Britain believed it would always lead, but history moved on,” he observed. Xi cautioned that the U.S. risks a similar fate if it continues to act unilaterally and disregards emerging global realities. “If America believes it is eternally indispensable to global politics and economics, it must heed the lessons of past empires,” he warned. Underscoring the importance of mutual respect, Xi concluded: “Times change, and nations must change with them. A country that fails to respect others ultimately lays the foundation for its own decline.”
Read also: UN Secretary General urged maiximum restraint in wake of Pahalgam attack
