Defense ministry denies China profiting from Middle East tensions

Chinese defense ministry on Thursday dismissed claims that China is "winning" from the United States and Israel conflict with Iran, calling them political manipulation.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a news conference in Beijing. He also rejected some media reports claiming that China is responsible for the current situation in the Middle East.

He said such claims ignored facts and were "extremely absurd," calling them political manipulation aimed at shifting blame onto China.

"This is a war that should never have happened, and one that benefits no party," Zhang said, stressing that China is neither a creator of the crisis nor a party to it.

China has never fanned the flames or sought to profit from the conflict, and has consistently worked to promote a ceasefire, he added.

The Chinese side will continue to follow its four-point proposal, push for de-escalation and play a constructive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, the spokesman noted.