China has strongly denied the allegations that it has sent weapons to Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, after Israeli media reported that some Chinese-made rockets and missiles had been used in the recent conflict.
In a press conference on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry said that China had only provided humanitarian aid, such as food, health care and other first aid, to Gaza since the outbreak of the Israel-Palestine violence.
"China has never sent any weapons to Gaza," the spokesperson said, adding that China was "deeply concerned" about the situation in the region and urged all parties to cease fire and resume dialogue.
According to NBC News, the spokesperson also defended China's weapons export policy, saying that Beijing had always followed three principles: enhancing the legitimate self-defense capability of the recipient country, not undermining the peace, security and stability of the region, and not meddling in the internal affairs of other countries.
Senior Col. Wu Qian, a military expert, said that China was a responsible member of the international community and had always abided by the relevant international laws and regulations on arms trade.
"China does not export weapons to countries or regions that are under UN sanctions, embargoes or restrictions," he said, stressing that China's weapons exports were "prudent and responsible".
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