China has urged an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement as hostilities in the Middle East enter a third day.
Israel and the United States have launched strikes on Iran and Lebanon, with tensions spilling into neighbouring countries and raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the priority was to halt military actions and prevent further escalation.
“The most urgent task is an immediate cessation of military operations and preventing a spread and spillover of conflict,” Mao said, adding that China supports “a resolution through dialogue and negotiation.”
She confirmed that one Chinese citizen was killed in Tehran during the attacks. Israel and the United States have been conducting strikes in the Iranian capital in an operation that reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Mao said China’s foreign ministry had directed its embassy in Iran to assist the affected individual’s family but did not provide further details. She also stated that Beijing was not given prior notice of the US military action.
According to Mao, China and Russia have called on the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency meeting over the situation.
Last week, China advised its citizens against travelling to Iran due to the deteriorating security climate. As of Monday, more than 3,000 Chinese nationals had reportedly departed the country.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have vowed to carry out what they described as the “most ferocious operation in history” against Israel and US military bases, intensifying concerns over a potential expansion of the conflict.
