Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning

As a responsible major country, China will continue to play a constructive role and contribute to restoring peace and security in the Gulf and the Middle East, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday. 

Mao made the remarks after a Sky News reporter from the UK said that US President Donald Trump believed China had persuaded Iran to negotiate over the current ceasefire agreement and asked whether China could confirm that claim. The reporter also asked whether, if China had indeed been involved, it could provide further clarification on certain provisions of the agreement that already appeared to show clear differences, especially over whether Lebanon was included in the ceasefire and whether the "10-point plan" submitted to the US included the issue of Iran's uranium enrichment.

Mao said that since the outbreak of the war, China has been actively working to promote peace and stop the war. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 phone conversations in succession with the foreign ministers of relevant countries. The Chinese government's special envoy on the Middle East issue has also conducted shuttle visits to the Middle East and the Gulf region. 

China and Pakistan have also jointly put forward a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. As a responsible major country, China will continue to play a constructive role and contribute to restoring peace and security in the Gulf and the Middle East, said Mao.

Global Times