(JTA) — As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began a five-day visit to China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized the military strikes on Syria without singling out Israel.
“We oppose the use of military force and believe any country’s sovereignty should be respected,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Monday. She did not mention Israel by name.
“China also calls on all relevant parties to begin from the basis of protecting regional peace and stability, maintain restraint and avoid taking any actions that would escalate tensions and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.”
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also is visiting China; Abbas and Netanhayu are not scheduled to meet there. Netanyahu will meet with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.
On Monday evening, Netanyahu met in Shanghai with dozens of Israeli businesspeople who represent companies that operate in China. The company representatives discussed ways to increase bilateral trade.
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