Tensions Between US and China on International Stage Amid Middle East Risks (Comprehensive)

Guterres, UN Secretary-General, Urges De-escalation Amid "Highest Geopolitical Tensions of This Century"

U.S. Criticizes Attack on U.S. Embassy in Baghdad

China Counters by Criticizing U.S. Unilateralism

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] On the 6th (local time), the United States and China engaged in a war of nerves on the international stage amid growing Middle East risks.

Since the U.S. killed Qasem Soleimani, a key figure in the Iranian military, in an airstrike on the 3rd, Iran has strongly retaliated by withdrawing from the nuclear agreement (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), escalating geopolitical tensions.

The U.S. first focused on criticizing the attack by Iraqi protesters on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

After a rocket attack on a U.S. military base in Iraq on the 27th of last month killed one American, the U.S. attributed the attack to pro-Iranian Shiite militias in Iraq and launched a counterattack. In response, pro-Iranian anti-American protesters stormed the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

The U.S. Mission to the United Nations criticized, in a statement that day, that "even the basic Security Council statement emphasizing the inviolability of diplomatic missions is being blocked by Russia and China."

It added, "Twenty-seven U.N. member states are joining in condemning the attack on the Baghdad embassy," contrasting this with the silence of the Security Council due to the two permanent members, China and Russia.

The U.N. mission further emphasized, "We will not tolerate attacks on Americans and American facilities and will respond decisively to protect U.S. interests, citizens, and allies."

Meanwhile, China countered by criticizing U.S. unilateralism.

Zhang Jun, China's ambassador to the U.N., told reporters at U.N. headquarters, "China opposes the use of force in international relations," and stated, "It is clear that the U.S.'s unilateral military actions violate the basic norms of international relations and cause tensions."

Ambassador Zhang urged, "We call on the U.S. not to abuse its power," and emphasized, "We demand all parties exercise maximum restraint and seek solutions through dialogue."

He also conveyed that the Iranian mission to the U.N. sent a letter to Security Council members asking them to "pay close attention to the current situation."

He added, "As a permanent member of the Security Council, China will cooperate with other members, uphold international law and justice, and take measures to avoid escalating tensions."

Meanwhile, Ant?nio Guterres, U.N. Secretary-General, expressed concern on the 6th (local time) about the spreading Middle East crisis amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, calling it "the highest level of geopolitical tension in this century."

Secretary-General Guterres told reporters at U.N. headquarters that "the new year has started with chaos," and warned, "As tensions rise, more countries may make unpredictable decisions, leading to unpredictable outcomes and serious risks of miscalculation," urging dialogue and de-escalation among the parties involved.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.