China Voices Concern Over UAE Nuclear Plant Attack

(MENAFN) China on Tuesday voiced "deep concern" over a weekend drone strike on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates, as Beijing's foreign ministry addressed a raft of pressing global flashpoints in a single wide-ranging briefing.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun declared that Beijing stands firmly against any attacks on peaceful nuclear infrastructure, stressing that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Gulf states must be upheld and that civilians and non-military facilities remain off-limits in any conflict.

He urged an immediate ceasefire, warning that halting further escalation was the overriding priority.

Xi, Putin to Discuss Ties, Cooperation
Turning to Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day state visit to China beginning Tuesday, Guo confirmed that Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold talks covering bilateral relations, areas of mutual cooperation, and key international and regional developments. He characterized the two nations as "comprehensive strategic cooperative partners of coordination in the new era."

Trump, Xi Agreed on AI Dialogue
On the sidelines of last week's summit between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump, the two leaders agreed to launch formal intergovernmental dialogue on artificial intelligence regulation, Guo confirmed.

"As two leading AI powers, China and the US need to work together to promote the development and improve the governance of AI to make sure that it will better contribute to social progress and common welfare of the international community," he said.

Chinese-Owned Ship Hit Near Odesa
Guo also addressed reports of a drone strike on a Chinese-owned cargo vessel bound for Ukraine's Odesa, clarifying that the ship sailed under a Marshall Islands registry and carried a Chinese crew. The Chinese Embassy in Ukraine had confirmed no Chinese casualties as of the briefing. On the broader war in Ukraine, Guo reiterated Beijing's position that "dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out."

Beijing Opposes U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
Guo leveled sharp criticism at Washington's latest sanctions targeting Cuba's intelligence agency and nine Cuban nationals, condemning what he described as "illicit unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law." He affirmed that Beijing "firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security" and called on Washington to dismantle its blockade and abandon "all forms of coercive pressure" against Havana.

Warning to Philippines Over Taiwan Remarks
In pointed remarks directed at Manila, Guo cautioned that geographic proximity to Taiwan and the presence of Filipino nationals on the island could not be invoked as grounds to interfere in China's internal affairs. The warning followed comments by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who suggested that any Taiwan conflict would directly impact the Philippines given its location and the nearly 200,000 Filipinos living there.

"We hope the Philippines could honor its commitments, match its words with actions, and abide by the one-China principle with concrete actions," Guo said.

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