China has reaffirmed its support for Iran’s “legitimate rights and interests” and condemned Israel’s recent military strikes, amid intensifying hostilities between the two regional powers that have alarmed the international community.
In separate telephone calls with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saʾar and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi this week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing was “deeply concerned” by the growing violence and reiterated that it stands with Iran in defending its national sovereignty.
“China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran to promote regional peace and stability,” Wang said, according to an official readout from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The remarks came days after Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, including facilities near Natanz.
Iran responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones that reached deep into Israeli territory, with air raid sirens sounding in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Wang also conveyed Beijing’s disapproval directly to Israel, urging restraint and dialogue.
“China opposes any actions that violate the basic norms of international relations, especially those that infringe on the sovereignty of other countries,” he told Saʾar.
“Israel must avoid further escalating tensions.”
At the United Nations, China’s Ambassador Fu Cong echoed these sentiments during an emergency Security Council session.
“We are gravely concerned about the current escalation. China condemns the Israeli air strikes on Iranian territory, which are a violation of Iran’s sovereignty,” Fu said.
“We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to the path of dialogue.”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also issued a public statement on Friday, stating: “China expresses deep concern over the current escalation between Israel and Iran. We call on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, and avoid further escalation.”
China has longstanding economic and diplomatic ties with Iran and has positioned itself as a potential mediator in Middle East conflicts.
In 2023, it brokered a surprise détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia, raising its international profile as a conflict negotiator.
While China maintains official relations with Israel, it has grown more openly critical of Israeli actions in recent months, particularly during its war in Gaza.
Analysts say Beijing is now seeking to portray itself as a defender of international law and the sovereignty of developing nations.
No direct Chinese offer to mediate has been announced, but Wang Yi said China was “ready to play a constructive role in cooling down the situation.”
The U.S., a close ally of Israel, has not formally responded to China’s statements, but officials in Washington have expressed concern that the widening conflict could drag the region into a broader war.