China was not informed about the US-Israeli plan to attack Iran that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, its foreign ministry said on Monday in the first reaction to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Chinese embassies and consulates promptly started carrying out evacuation and relief work as Khamenei’s assassination sparked fierce retaliatory strikes from Iran on Israel and Gulf nations hosting American military bases, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, adding that over 3,000 people had been evacuated so far.
One Chinese national was killed in the US-Israeli strikes in Tehran, the spokesperson said while expressing “deep concern” over the situation and calling for a ceasefire.
Beijing condemned the strikes on Iran and the assassination of its supreme leader, Ms Mao said, urging all parties involved to immediately cease military action to prevent escalation.
“China is deeply concerned about the spillover of the conflict affecting neighbouring countries,” Ms Mao said.
“China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf countries should also be fully respected.”
She said Beijing was not informed in advance about the US-Israeli military action against Iran.
“The US and Israel carried out military strikes against Iran without authorisation from the UN Security Council, which violates international law,” Ms Mao said.
The spokesperson dismissed a report that Iran was close to formalising a deal to buy Chinese supersonic anti-ship missiles, claiming that China was a responsible major power that “always fulfilled its international obligations”.
China is one of two countries, alongside France, to question the lack of UN approval for the strikes on Iran.
It’s unclear what the prospects are of Iran rebuilding its leadership and replacing the 86-year-old leader.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday a leadership council composed of himself, the head of the judiciary and a member of the powerful Guardian Council had temporarily assumed the supreme leader’s duties.
In an X post on Monday, Ali Larijani, the powerful head of the Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran would not negotiate with the US. He said US president Donald Trump had "delusional ambitions" and was now worried about American casualties.
Pakistan imposes curfew as protests against US-Israeli strikes on Iran leave 22 dead
Inside China’s huge semi-abandoned housing complex inspired by Italy’s Venice
New type of lithium battery developed in China can double EV range
Six die in Pakistan clashes after US Consulate stormed over Khamenei’s killing
China’s legislature removes nine military officials ahead of key political meeting
E-waste found contaminating dolphin brains: ‘This is a wake-up call’
