GENEVA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran violate the purposes and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, a Chinese envoy has said.

Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, made the remarks on Monday while attending a side event marking the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, hosted by the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the UN, during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Chen noted that the UN Charter laid the foundation for the modern international order and established the basic norms of contemporary international relations.

He warned that the cause of international peace is facing grave challenges. The military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, he said, violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Meanwhile, Chen said that Washington has undermined multilateralism by withdrawing from international organizations and cutting financial contributions.

China, he said, stands for true multilateralism, supports resolving differences through dialogue and consultations, and advocates promoting development and human rights through peace. China also supports the United Nations in steadily advancing necessary reforms, he added.

Chen insists that the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the UN is a firm advocate of multilateralism, fairness and justice, and strongly opposes unilateral sanctions. China is ready to work with the group members and the broader international community to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, he said.

China will continue to support the central role of the United Nations, contribute to maintaining global peace and promoting common development and the enjoyment of human rights for all, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

The event was chaired by Venezuela's Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Geneva Alexander Gabriel Yanez Deleuze, and attended by representatives from over 40 countries. Senior diplomats from Iran, Cuba, Russia and other countries made statements on current international issues, human rights and security. ■