China on Tuesday accused US President Donald Trump of “pouring oil” on the mounting hostilities between Iran and Israel after the US leader warned Tehran residents to “immediately evacuate”.
Following decades of animosity and a protracted shadow war, Israel launched a surprise aerial campaign against Iranian targets last week, claiming the goal was to prevent its arch-rival from getting nuclear weapons – a desire Tehran denies.
The rapid escalation of hostilities has fuelled worries of a wider conflict, with Trump pressing Iran to return to the bargaining table after Israel’s attacks halted ongoing nuclear discussions.
Trump also made an uncommon warning via his Truth Social platform: “Everyone should immediately evacuate!”
Asked about Trump’s remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, “Fanning the flames, pouring oil, making threats and mounting pressure will not help to promote the de-escalation of the situation but will only intensify and widen the conflict.
“The Chinese side calls on all relevant parties, especially countries with special influence on Israel, to shoulder their responsibilities, take immediate measures to de-escalate tensions, and prevent the conflict from expanding and spreading.”
China’s embassy in Israel ordered its residents to leave the country “as soon as possible” on Tuesday, following massive strikes by Israel and Iran.
“The Chinese mission in Israel reminds Chinese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible via land border crossings, on the precondition that they can guarantee their personal safety,” the embassy said in a statement on WeChat.
“It is recommended to depart in the direction of Jordan,” it added.
The embassy issued a warning that the conflict was “continuing to escalate”.
“Much civilian infrastructure has been damaged, civilian casualties are on the rise, and the security situation is becoming more serious,” it said.
