Thursday, July 16, 2026

China urges U.S. to abandon use of force against Iran

The Chinese envoy added that no country has the power to dictate another’s future and that no action that defies international law can be tolerated.

• January 16, 2026
Sun Lei, the charge d’affaires of China’s permanent mission to the United Nations
Sun Lei, the charge d’affaires of China’s permanent mission to the United Nations(Photo Credit:The America Times)

Sun Lei, the charge d’affaires of China’s permanent mission to the United Nations, has called on the United States to abandon its fixation on the use of force against Iran.

Recent developments in Iran have drawn widespread attention.

The United States has continued to make statements on the situation in Iran and has openly threatened Iran with the use of force.

As a result, clouds of war are gathering over the Middle East, and tensions continue to escalate, Mr Lei said.

“The use of force can never solve problems but rather will only make them more complex and intractable.

“Any military adventurism would only push the region toward an unpredictable abyss,” he told an emergency meeting of the Security Council.

“We urge the United States to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and abandon its fixation on the use of force. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and work together to play their due role in maintaining international peace and security,” he said.

The Chinese envoy stated that history has repeatedly proved that an obsession with force, relentless pressure, and wanton interference only generates more conflict and hatred.

He added that no country has the power to dictate another’s future and that no action that defies international law can be tolerated.

“We call on the international community to stand on the right side of history and on the side of fairness and justice and work tirelessly for peace and stability in the Middle East and peace and tranquility in the world,” he said.

Sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are basic principles of international law and the most fundamental norms governing modern international relations.

Iran is an independent sovereign state; its affairs should be decided independently by the Iranian people, said Mr Lei.

China supports efforts to safeguard Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

It calls on the international community to support the Iranian government and people in overcoming current difficulties in maintaining national security and social stability, he added.

(Xinhua/NAN) 

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