Key Points
- Beijing reiterated its long‑standing opposition to the use of force in international relations.
- Chinese officials urged all parties to halt military operations to prevent further regional destabilisation.
ISLAMABAD: China’s foreign ministry strongly criticised the killing of Iranian leaders, including Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, calling such actions against state officials and civilians “unacceptable.”
The ministry called for an immediate halt to combat operations to prevent the conflict from escalating further in the Middle East.
At a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that China “has always opposed the use of force in international relations” and that the killing of state leaders and attacks on civilians are “by no means acceptable.”
Lin urged all sides involved in the ongoing conflict to cease hostilities and avoid a broader regional crisis.
The remarks come after escalating tensions in the Middle East following the Israeli strike on Iran-linked targets that killed several senior officials, including Larijani.
This attack is seen as part of a larger cycle of retaliation between Iran and Israel, raising concerns among regional and global powers about potential spillover into neighbouring countries. China is also concerned about the disruptions to key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
China, as a long-standing strategic partner of Iran, has maintained diplomatic engagement with both Tehran and other regional actors, advocating for restraint, dialogue, and humanitarian protections amid the conflict.
Beijing’s response also reflects its broader stance on avoiding escalation in geopolitically sensitive regions where Chinese economic and strategic interests, including energy supplies and trade routes, are at stake.
China has additionally called for the protection of civilians and the avoidance of attacks on non-military infrastructure, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing military actions.
