Latest news with #WangYi
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Mystery of vanishing Chinese military planes: String of long-range, high-capacity cargo aircraft disappears in Iran
A string of Chinese cargo flights—operated by Boeing 747s often associated with military logistics—have reportedly vanished from radar near Iranian airspace , fueling speculation that Beijing may be covertly aiding Tehran amid escalating tensions with Israel. According to The Telegraph, at least three of the aircraft departed Chinese cities on June 15, 16, and 17—just after Israel launched strikes on Iran . Public flight data showed the freighters flying west over northern China , entering Kazakhstan, then moving south through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan before disappearing near Iran. Although their flight plans listed Luxembourg as the destination, none of the aircraft were tracked entering European airspace. The nature of these flights—long-range, high-capacity cargo jets with military applications—has raised alarms. Intelligence sources suggest they may have delivered strategic equipment or retrieved sensitive materials or personnel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo This development comes amid deepening military and economic ties between China and Iran. Over 90% of Iran's sanctioned oil exports now go to China, often routed via a clandestine 'dark fleet' of tankers with disabled transponders. These discounted crude shipments—some priced $2–$11 lower per barrel—mainly fuel independent Chinese refiners in Shandong. Payments are made in yuan, limiting Iran's ability to spend outside China and prompting one Iranian official to label the setup 'a colonial trap.' Any Israeli strike on Kharg Island—Iran's primary oil export hub—could severely disrupt this supply chain and send shockwaves through China's energy market. Live Events Though China publicly urges de-escalation, analysts say its long-term ambitions may include undermining Western influence in the Middle East and asserting itself as a power broker. Quietly backing Iran could serve to test Western red lines, reinforce BRICS alliances, or strengthen leverage in any future ceasefire talks. In the past, China has supplied Iran with missile components and surveillance tech. In May, a massive explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas port was linked to stored Chinese solid propellant. China has publicly expressed concern. On June 18, President Xi Jinping called for all sides—'especially Israel'—to halt hostilities. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that the region could slide into an 'abyss' if the Israel-Iran conflict escalates. Behind the scenes, a deeper strategic calculus may be playing out, according to reports. The two nations signed a 25-year cooperation deal in 2021, signaling a long-term commitment.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
China to evacuate citizens from Israel via Egypt border amid escalating Mideast conflict
China's embassy in Israel said it will begin evacuating nationals via the Egyptian border from Friday, after hundreds had already left the country, while about 1,600 others had left Iran over the last few days. In a statement on Thursday, the embassy said it was seeking to register Chinese citizens who wished to evacuate in organised groups, which would leave Israel by bus via the Taba border crossing, about 360km (224 miles) from Tel Aviv. Evacuees must hold a valid Chinese passport or valid Chinese national identification card, travel documents from Hong Kong or Macau, or a mainland-issued travel permit for Taiwan residents. The notice was issued after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone on Wednesday with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty. Israel and Iran have entered a seventh day of an air war, with missiles hitting not only strategic targets but also residential areas since Israel launched what it called a 'pre-emptive strike' on Iran last Friday. 04:26 Trump says US 'may' or 'may not' strike Iran as Tehran rejects call to surrender Trump says US 'may' or 'may not' strike Iran as Tehran rejects call to surrender Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Thursday that around 1,600 Chinese nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, along with several hundred from Israel, under arrangements between the ministry, China's embassies and consulates, and neighbouring countries.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
China warns Israel-Iran conflict risks spiralling 'out of control'
BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday his country was concerned that the conflict between Israel and Iran "may get out of control", warning that the region could slide into an "abyss." Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on Wednesday, the sixth day of strikes between the regional rivals, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. "Israel's acts of disregarding international law and international rules have caused the situation in the Middle East to suddenly become tense, and China is also deeply concerned that the situation may get out of control," Wang told his Egyptian counterpart in a phone call Wednesday, China's foreign ministry said. The same day, in a separate call with Oman's foreign minister, Wang said the two countries "cannot sit idly by and let the region slide into an unknown abyss." He said reaching a ceasefire agreement was a "top priority." China and other world powers have pushed to find an off-ramp to the hostilities, which began after Israel on Friday launched strikes on Iran. The United States, however, has called for Iran's "unconditional surrender", with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday saying Washington may still take part in the conflict. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday his nation would never surrender and warned the United States of "irreparable damage" if it intervenes, while Israel said it had destroyed the internal security headquarters in Tehran.--AFP
CNA
2 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
China warns Israel-Iran conflict could spiral ‘out of control'
BEIJING: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday (Jun 18) warned that escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran could spiral out of control, urging all sides to prioritise a ceasefire to prevent the region from sliding into an 'abyss'. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on Wednesday, the sixth day of strikes between the regional rivals, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. 'Israel's acts of disregarding international law and international rules have caused the situation in the Middle East to suddenly become tense, and China is also deeply concerned that the situation may get out of control,' Wang said in a call with his Egyptian counterpart, according to a readout from China's foreign ministry. In a separate call with Oman's foreign minister, Wang said the two countries 'cannot sit idly by and let the region slide into an unknown abyss', adding that reaching a ceasefire agreement was a 'top priority'. China and other world powers have pushed to find an off-ramp to the hostilities, which erupted after Israel launched large-scale strikes on Iran last Friday. The United States, meanwhile, has called for Iran's 'unconditional surrender', with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday saying Washington may still take part in the conflict. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Islamic Republic would never surrender and warned the United States of 'irreparable damage' if it intervenes. Israel said on Wednesday it had destroyed the internal security headquarters in Tehran.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
China fears Israel-Iran conflict may get 'out of control'
Smoke rises above buildings in Tehran following an Israeli strike on the sixth day of fighting between Iran and Israel. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday his country was concerned that the conflict between Israel and Iran "may get out of control", warning that the region could slide into an "abyss". Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on Wednesday, the sixth day of strikes between the regional rivals, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. "Israel's acts of disregarding international law and international rules have caused the situation in the Middle East to suddenly become tense, and China is also deeply concerned that the situation may get out of control," Wang told his Egyptian counterpart in a phone call Wednesday, China's foreign ministry said.
