Chinese Ambassador: Escalation is worrying.. Continued targeting of Kuwait is unacceptable
May Al-Sukari: The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kuwait, Yang Xin, affirmed that his country is closely monitoring the rapid security developments in the Gulf region, expressing concern over the resumption of escalation. He stressed the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of all states and protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, noting that the continued targeting of Kuwait is unacceptable.
Speaking on the sidelines of his embassy’s celebration of the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, attended by Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Mishaal Al-Sabah yesterday, the Chinese ambassador stated that China is deeply concerned over what he described as a violation of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. He emphasized that Beijing’s position remains firm in calling for respect for the sovereignty and security of all countries, including Kuwait, and for refraining from targeting civilians or non-military facilities.
In response to Al-Qabas’s question regarding the perceived decline in China’s role in containing tensions between Iran and Gulf states, despite Beijing’s successful mediation of the historic agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran a few years ago, Xin said, “China is doing its utmost to end hostile actions as quickly as possible.” He noted that diplomatic efforts are not always publicized, with some taking place behind the scenes, and expressed hope that these initiatives would soon bear fruit, allowing the region to regain security and stability.
Regarding military cooperation between Kuwait and China, the Chinese ambassador affirmed that the two countries are linked by a strategic partnership encompassing various fields, including security and military cooperation. He pointed out that this cooperation has been ongoing for years and is not a product of recent regional developments, adding that tangible results of this partnership would be showcased during the ongoing events.
When asked whether Kuwait had requested China to supply it with weapons or military equipment, he clarified that cooperation and discussions between the two sides in this area have been ongoing for a long time, prior to the outbreak of the current escalation, without delving into further details.
On expectations of an early end to the escalation, the Chinese ambassador said, “We must wait and see, as there are many factors involved.” He affirmed that China, alongside other peace-loving nations, continues to make efforts to bring the parties back to the path of peace. He also deemed the targeting of oil tankers and civilian infrastructure unacceptable, stressing that such acts fall under the category of civilian assets that must be protected under international law.
Praising Kuwait’s resilience and the sacrifices of its armed forces, Liu Zongchen, the Military Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, emphasized his country’s commitment to enhancing military cooperation with Kuwait and joint efforts between the two armies, which contribute to safeguarding the shared interests of both nations and maintaining regional security and stability.
He explained that Sino-Kuwaiti relations are witnessing continuous development, particularly in the military sector, thanks to the patronage and attention afforded by Chinese President Xi Jinping and His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to the strategic partnership between the two countries.
He added that the region is undergoing a delicate phase marked by rapid changes and regional disturbances, commending the resilience of the Kuwaiti people and the bravery and sacrifices of members of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces.
