ISTANBUL

China has reiterated that “the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected” amid the Middle East conflict, adding that attacks on civilians and non-military targets should be “condemned.”

The remarks came during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s phone call with Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Monday.

Wang urged dialogue and negotiation to restore peace, as well as respect for international law and the basic norms of international relations, according to a readout from China’s Foreign Ministry.

During a separate phone call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Wang said the current conflict is detrimental to all parties.

“The US and Israel, without UN authorization, launched a military attack on Iran while US-Iran negotiations were still underway, clearly violating international law,” he said.

Wang emphasized the importance of reaching a ceasefire as soon as possible.

The Chinese foreign minister also referred to Beijing’s special envoy to the Middle East visiting the region as part of diplomatic efforts during both calls.

A series of US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over 150 schoolgirls, and senior military officials.

Iran retaliated with barrages targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities and military personnel in the region. Seven US service members have been killed amid the ongoing conflict.