The Red Cross Society of China has decided to provide US$2 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The announcement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Friday (March 13).
The spokesperson said China is deeply saddened by the deaths of students in a recent attack on a primary school in Iran. Beijing expressed its condolences to the families of the victims.
Guo emphasized that China strongly condemns all indiscriminate attacks against civilian targets. Attacks on schools and harm to children constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and cross the boundaries of humanitarian ethics and conscience, he said. In the spirit of humanitarianism, China will provide necessary assistance to Iran and support the Iranian people in overcoming the current difficulties.
Commenting on the broader situation in Iran, Guo noted that China is deeply concerned about the continuing tensions in the Middle East. He stressed that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected. The parties concerned, he said, should immediately halt military operations and return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible.
Source: Zhai-Alim-Wang Haiman, China Media Group (CMG).