At a routine July 23 briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said
China is deeply concerned about escalation in the Gulf after reports the U.S. is
deploying aircraft carriers and fighters to the region. Lin warned renewed
hostilities would be contrary to any party’s interests, urged respect for
regional states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called on parties to
remain calm, cease hostile actions, resume contact and dialogue, and pursue a
political-diplomatic settlement to secure a comprehensive, lasting ceasefire as
soon as possible. He did not say whether China is in contact with the parties.