China Announces Humanitarian Aid to Iran, Mid-East Nations as West Asia War Rages On

New Delhi: In a significant step to play a larger role in the Middle East, China said that it will provide humanitarian assistance to the countries in the region, including Iran and Lebanon, as the conflict has now entered into its third week.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced at a press conference that his nation will be sending emergency aid to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq to ease the humanitarian plight of civilians in the region.

Beijing is considered to be a close partner of the regime in Iran. Though it has criticised Tehran’s strikes against the Gulf states where there are several US bases, it has urged US and Israel to cease their attacks.

“China will continue to make every effort to promote peace and stop the war… and to prevent further spreading of the humanitarian crisis,” Lin Jian said.

What Is China's Position in the War

China has also sought to mediate in the war; its special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has urged de-escalation during his meeting with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, has also said that the war “should never have happened”.

Trump Postpones Visit to Beijing

The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump delayed his planned visit to Beijing due to the ongoing war. The White House, has asked China to help Washington reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage through which almost a fifth of global oil supplies pass.

The passage has been effectively closed by Iran as a retaliation against the strikes conducted by Israel and the US.

Larijani Dead?

Meanwhile, Israeli ​media has said ‌that ​the ​military has targeted ⁠Iran's ​security chief ​Ali Larijani in overnight airstrikes. As per a report from the Times of Israel while the strike was carried out, Larijani's current status is unknown, and it has not been confirmed whether he was killed or wounded.

ALSO READ: 'Unclear If Killed Or Injured': Israel Targets Late Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s Key Aide Ali Larijani In Overnight Airstrike