BEIJING, March 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - China's foreign minister told his British counterpart on Thursday that the two countries had a responsibility to maintain international peace and security, and renewed calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East. In a phone call, China's Wang Yi told British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper that their countries should "consistently take actions conducive to peace", according to a readout from Beijing's foreign ministry. They should work together to "prevent further damage to the international order and the erosion of the foundations of global peace", Wang told Cooper. US President Donald Trump has voiced disappointment with Prime Minister Keir Starmer over what he calls Britain's lack of support in the conflict. Beijing condemned on Thursday the killing of Iranian national security chief Ali Larijani by an Israeli air strike, calling it "unacceptable".

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 19, 2026 15:16 UTC