China opposes moves that escalate tensions over Iran attacks on UAE

China expressed “grave concern” over the attacks on the UAE and firmly opposed any acts that escalated regional tensions, the Chinese foreign ministry said in its regular news briefing on Thursday (May 7).

"The pressing priority now is an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to prevent the conflict from spreading further," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters.

The United Arab Emirates' defense ministry said on Tuesday (May 5) that its air defences were dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran, although Iran’s joint military command said its armed forces had not carried out any missile or drone operations against the UAE in recent days.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports from either side.

A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters also warned of a “crushing response” if any action was launched from the UAE against Iran.

The UAE reported being attacked for the second consecutive day after four weeks of relative calm since the United States announced a ceasefire.

-Wang Shubing, Xiaoyu Yin/Reuters