Beijing responds to U.S. warnings of possible escalation and tariff threats tied to trade with Tehran.

On Tuesday, China called for “preserving stability” in Iran and expressed its “rejection of any external interference or the use of force,” responding to warnings from Washington about a possible escalation against Tehran and U.S. calls for its citizens to leave the country.

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing “hopes for and supports Iran in maintaining national stability” and reiterated China’s opposition to “interference in the internal affairs of other countries” and to “the threat or use of force in international relations.”

The comments came after U.S. media reported that the White House is weighing various options, including military measures, against Iran, while Washington urged its citizens to leave the country for security reasons.

In that context, Mao said China “hopes all parties will do more to contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East.”

On Iran’s security situation and protests, Mao said China is “closely following developments” and will take “all necessary measures” to protect its citizens in the country.

On the economic front, the spokeswoman reiterated the position expressed earlier Tuesday by the Chinese Embassy in Washington in response to tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump targeting countries that maintain trade relations with Iran.

Mao stressed that “there are no winners in a tariff war” and emphasized that China “will firmly defend its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.”

The remarks followed Trump’s announcement of additional tariffs on countries that “do business” with Iran, a measure China has described as a unilateral sanction, amid rising diplomatic and security tensions surrounding the Persian country.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE – Xinhua

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