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China joins chorus of condemnation over Israeli attack on Iranian consulate in Syria
- Beijing says ‘the security of diplomatic institutions cannot be violated’ after the attack on a consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus
- The bombing killed two senior commanders in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard
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China on Tuesday joined a host of countries including Russia in criticising Israel’s deadly attack on an Iranian diplomatic building in Syria, calling for an easing of tensions in the Middle East.
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“China condemns the attack,” said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin. “The security of diplomatic institutions cannot be violated, and Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be respected.”
“The current situation in the Middle East is turbulent, and we oppose any actions that lead to an escalation of tension.”
On Monday Iran said Israel had struck a consulate building in its embassy compound in the Syrian capital of Damascus, killing at least seven military advisers.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that among those killed were Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a top commander in its elite Quds Force, and his deputy Mohammad Hadi Haji.
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Israel did not comment on the attack but Syria’s defence ministry said the attacks had come from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights.
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