China 'opposes and condemns' civilian deaths in both Israel and Gaza

In both Israel and the Palestinian territories, China claims that it “opposes and condemns” violence against civilians. “China is highly concerned about the recent escalation of conflict between Palestine and Israel,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning says, adding that Beijing “is deeply saddened by the civilian casualties caused by the conflict, and opposes and condemns actions that harm civilians.” The announcement follows a letter from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to China’s foreign minister in which Schumer expressed his disappointment with Beijing’s earlier response to the recent Hamas attack, which showed no sympathy or support for Israel. “I urge you and the Chinese people to stand with the Israeli people and condemn these cowardly and vicious attacks,” Schumer, who is leading a delegation of six senators to China, tells Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Before media are led out of the room, Wang, who spoke before Schumer in their opening statements, doesn’t answer. Yesterday, a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged both parties to use moderation and put an end to the hostilities. It stated that the primary solution to the problem is the creation of an independent state of Palestine. (With inputs from agencies)