Jennifer Pak

and Israel to respect Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

And it says all sides should resume talks to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East.

China and Iran are close strategic partners.

But that friendship has its limits.

Just days before the strikes, an Iranian broadcaster asked at a Chinese foreign ministry press conference whether China would join Russia to support Iran in the event the U.S.

attacks.

Spokesperson Mao Ning did not answer the question directly.

Instead, she says China hopes all parties will exercise restraint and is happy to facilitate peaceful talks.

Jennifer Pak, NPR News, Beijing.

China's foreign ministry has called on the U.S.

and Israel to respect Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

And it says all sides should resume talks to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East.

China and Iran are close strategic partners.

But that friendship has its limits.

Just days before the strikes, an Iranian broadcaster asked at a Chinese foreign ministry press conference whether China would join Russia to support Iran in the event the U.S.

attacks.

Spokesperson Mao Ning did not answer the question directly.

Instead, she says China hopes all parties will exercise restraint and is happy to facilitate peaceful talks.

Jennifer Pak, NPR News, Beijing.

China's Ministry of Commerce has urged Washington to lift its, quote, unilateral tariffs on its trading partners.