China has renewed calls for “peace and stability” in the Middle East after a string of deadly communications equipment explosions in Lebanon.
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“China is highly concerned about the relevant incidents, and opposes any infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty and security,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing on Thursday.
“[China] is also concerned that the incident may cause an escalation of tensions in the region, and [we] call on all parties concerned to effectively maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.”
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The call came after an unknown number of handheld radios used by the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah exploded across southern Lebanon on Wednesday in the country’s deadliest day since cross-border fighting erupted between the militants and Israel nearly a year ago.
Lebanon’s health ministry said that at least 20 people were killed and more than 450 wounded in Beirut’s suburbs and the Bekaa Valley on Wednesday.