China's Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong addresses a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East at UN headquarters in New York City, US, May 21, 2026. [Photo/Agencies]
China called for ceasefires, political dialogue and civilian protection during a UN Security Council annual debate on the protection of civilians on Wednesday, as the United Nations reported rising civilian deaths, displacement and attacks on hospitals in conflicts worldwide.
"Only by ending conflicts can civilians be fundamentally protected," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said while chairing the Security Council meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
On Iran, Fu said the conflict "has already caused serious losses to people across the region, including in Iran itself". He called on the parties concerned to respond to international appeals, reopen shipping routes, and safeguard the stability and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains.
Iranian state media IRNA said on Sunday that around 3,468 people were killed during the 40-day war with Israel and the United States, including 1,460 civilians.
