China has called on the United States and Israel to immediately cease the destruction of historical and cultural sites in Iran. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the statement was made by Mao Ning, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Beijing.
"We are deeply saddened by the destruction of historical monuments, including sites listed by UNESCO," the diplomat emphasized.
The spokesperson urged the conflicting parties to initiate negotiations as soon as possible to bring an end to the hostilities. According to the representative of the Chinese MFA, the conflict should not have occurred in the first place, and Beijing remains insistent on an immediate cessation of military operations and a return to a diplomatic resolution. Previously, another MFA official, Lin Jian, warned that the ongoing war between the US and Iran would plunge the Middle East into chaos, noting that the continued use of force only creates a vicious cycle of violence.
The protection of cultural property during armed conflict is governed by international law, specifically the 1954 Hague Convention, which prohibits the targeting of heritage sites unless they are being used for military purposes. Iran is home to over 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient ruins of Persepolis and the Meidan Emam in Isfahan, which represent significant milestones in human civilization. China's diplomatic intervention reflects its growing role as a mediator in Middle Eastern affairs and its commitment to preserving global cultural heritage amid rising geopolitical tensions.
