China said it opposed foreign interference in other nations’ internal affairs, responding to Donald Trump’s threat of military intervention if Iranian protesters were killed
China said on Monday it opposed foreign “interference” in the internal affairs of other countries, responding to
US President Donald Trump’s threat of military intervention if Iranian protesters were killed.
“We always oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news conference when asked about Trump’s comments.
“We call on all parties to do more things conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East,” she added.
Trump mulls ‘strong military action’ against Iran
Trump said Iran had proposed talks but added that he was weighing “very strong” military action against the West Asian nation over its deadly crackdown on protesters, which has reportedly left hundreds dead. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump was asked whether Iran had crossed his previously stated red line on protesters being killed. He replied, “they’re starting to, it looks like.”
“We’re looking at it very seriously,” the US president said. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination,” he averred.
Trump further added that Iran had proposed negotiations. “I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States,” he said. “Iran wants to negotiate.”
Over 500 reported killed in Iran protests
At least 538 people have been killed in violence linked to the demonstrations, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which said 490 of the dead were protesters. The group added that Iranian authorities have arrested around 10,600 people.
A separate tally from the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group said on Sunday that at least 192 protesters had been killed. Rights organisations have cautioned that casualty figures vary because access inside Iran has been severely restricted by an internet blackout, and all counts are likely to underestimate the true scale of the toll.
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