China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, and called for an immediate ceasefire, according to statements released Sunday, and Monday. The condemnation came as Tehran launched retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, prompting widespread concern about regional escalation.
Wang described the attacks as a “blatant attack and killing of a leader of a sovereign state and incitement to regime change” and deemed them “unacceptable” during a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on March 1st. China “resolutely opposes and strongly condemns” the action, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson added in a separate statement. The strikes occurred although the U.S. And Iran were engaged in negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, a fact Wang highlighted as particularly troubling.
The Chinese Foreign Minister expressed deep concern that the conflict was spreading throughout the Persian Gulf and could “push the situation in the Middle East towards a dangerous abyss.” He urged an immediate halt to military operations, a return to dialogue and negotiations, and called on the international community to oppose unilateral military actions not authorized by the United Nations. Wang spoke with Lavrov at the latter’s request, according to Xinhua news agency.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated the attack on Iran was intended to prevent the country from developing a nuclear weapon and called on Iranians to overthrow their government. China’s response contrasts with this call for regime change, explicitly supporting Iran’s sovereignty, as articulated by Wang Yi.
The condemnation from Beijing follows concerns raised about the potential impact of the conflict on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies. China has also issued a warning to its citizens to evacuate Iran as quickly as possible, reflecting a growing assessment of risk in the region.
While condemning the strikes, China has stopped short of offering military support to Iran, according to reports. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate indication of a de-escalation and continued calls for a ceasefire from Beijing.
