China 'closely following' Gaza developments, as Israel plans for expanded military operation

Описание: (20 Aug 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Beijing, China - 20 August 2025
1. Wide of news conference
2. Wide of reporters
3. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson:
"China is closely following the current situation in Gaza. We hope all parties can reach a ceasefire arrangement as soon as possible, work to de-escalate the situation promptly and effectively alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza."
4. Reporters
5. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson:
"Military cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, and should not target any third party. On the South China Sea issue, China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and security."
6. Various of news conference
STORYLINE:
China on Wednesday said it was "closely following" developments in the Gaza Strip as Israel prepares to call up tens of thousands of reservists for a new phase of operations in the region.

A military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity in line with military regulations, said that the military will be operating in parts of Gaza City where the Israeli military has not yet operated and where it believes Hamas is still active.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the plan at a news briefing in Beijing, calling on parties concerned to "reach a ceasefire arrangement as soon as possible, work to de-escalate the situation promptly, and effectively alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza."

It remains unclear when the operation will begin, but it could be a matter of days.

It comes as human rights groups warn that a humanitarian crisis could worsen in Gaza, where most residents have been displaced, vast neighborhoods lie in ruins, and communities are facing the threat of famine.

Mao also commented on large-scale military exercises launched last week by Australia and the Philippines near the disputed South China Sea, saying "military cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, and should not target any third party."

Defense forces from the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Indonesia are joining as observers of the drills, which will run until Aug. 29.

China has long deplored multinational war drills and alliances in or near the disputed South China Sea, saying the U.S. and its allies are "ganging up" against it and militarising the region.

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