China Urges USA to Stop War in Iraq

The Chinese foreign ministry has urged the USA to immediately stop military action in Iraq and return to peaceful means of settling the Iraqi issue, Kong Quan, an official foreign ministry spokesman, told a briefing in Beijing.

According to his words, the war in Iraq contradicts the UN Charter and the basic principles of international law.

The position the Chinese leadership holds on the issue is supported by the whole nation, said Kong Quan, adding that Beijing was keeping a watchful eye on developments on the Iraqi front and around Iraq.

The diplomat also said the events in Iraq had prompted the Chinese government to take extra measures to ensure the safety of foreign embassies in China. The country's law enforcing authorities guarantee the safety of foreigners in China, he said.