BEIJING (AP) — China has joined the criticism of Mitt Romney, saying the U.S. presidential candidate's statement that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel could worsen an already tense Mideast situation or even re-ignite a war between Palestinians and Israelis.
A commentary Tuesday by the official Xinhua News Agency said Romney's "hawkish remarks" ignored the sensitive nature of Jerusalem. It said the comments disregarded the Palestinians' claim to the war-won eastern sector of the city, which was annexed by Israel in 1967 in a move that is not internationally recognized.
Romney has previously upset some in China by threatening tougher action on Beijing in trade disputes if he is elected president.
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