Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

 
Commenting on reports that the US has ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel from various parts of the Middle East, especially Iraq, due to the potential for regional unrest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded on Thursday that China supports Iraq in maintaining peace, stability and development and that China is willing to continue communication and coordination with relevant parties to play a constructive role in promoting the political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

According to Associated Press, the US is drawing down the presence of staffers who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East and their loved ones due to the potential for regional unrest, the US State Department and military said Wednesday.

"They are being moved out, because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens. We've given notice to move out, and we'll see what happens," said US President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Wednesday evening.

As a general principle, this is Iraq's internal affair, Lin said. China supports Iraq in maintaining peace, stability and development.

In response to a query if China has played any role in helping de-escalate tensions, particularly in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran —regarding the revival of the nuclear agreement, Lin said that China consistently advocates for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means, supports Iran in engaging in dialogue and negotiations with all parties and seeks solutions that accommodate the legitimate concerns of all sides.

China is willing to continue communication and coordination with relevant parties to play a constructive role in promoting the political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, effectively uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East, Lin said.

Global Times