Israel ‘unhappy’ with China’s ‘not as strong as expected’ response to Iranian attack
- Yuval Waks, deputy head of the mission to Beijing, said the country had been ‘hoping for stronger condemnation’ from the Chinese foreign ministry
- Beijing reacted to the attack by ‘expressing deep’ concern and repeating its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
“We were hoping for stronger condemnation and clear acknowledgment of Israel’s right to defend itself,” said Yuval Waks, the deputy chief of the Israeli mission in China told a press briefing on Monday when asked what response the embassy had hoped for.
03:47
World leaders call for de-escalation after Iran launches air attack on Israel
“Unfortunately, we did not see that, which is why we were unhappy with the statement [from the Chinese foreign ministry],” said Waks.
The statement, which Israel said was “not as strong as expected”, also urged unnamed “influential countries” to play a constructive role.
Backlash over US support for Israel as China makes ‘public relations gain’
The United States and its allies have condemned the attack, with US President Joe Biden pledging “ironclad” support for Israel.
Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry on Monday said China’s special envoy for Middle East affairs Zhai Jun had met Irit Ben-Abba, the Israeli ambassador. The statement said Zhai called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza but did not comment on Israel’s concerns.
Waks also said the embassy had contacted Chinese officials in Beijing and conveyed Israel’s concerns following the attacks on Saturday.
He said “we are aware of the good bilateral relations between China and Iran, but we feel the need to express our grave concerns to the Chinese regarding Iran’s negative role in our region and its support of terror groups”.
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Humanitarian aid workers delivering food killed in Gaza in 'unintentional' air strike
He also urged China to tell Hamas the hostages still being held after the October 7 attack “should be set free right now”.
The Israeli embassy said in a separate statement: “The destabilisation of the Middle East didn’t start on Saturday, but rather Iran showed its true face.
“For the first time Iran has emerged from behind the shadows to reveal its identity as a terrorist state, doing so in an unmistakable and undeniable manner.”
Saturday’s strike came after the conflict in the Gaza strip entered its sixth month.
Iran’s attack on Israel ‘brings joy’ to Gaza Palestinians, others cast doubt
On Sunday, the Chinese embassy in Iran reminded its citizens to “strengthen safety precautions” due to “more serious and complex” situations in the country.
