China Condemns US-Israeli Military Action Against Iran
China has issued a strong condemnation of the recent US-Israeli military strikes on Iran, which resulted in the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed on Monday that it was not informed in advance about the attack, labeling the action a violation of international law.
Casualties and Evacuation Efforts
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, revealing that one Chinese national was killed in the strikes in Tehran. In response to the crisis, Chinese embassies and consulates have initiated evacuation and relief operations, successfully evacuating over 3,000 people so far as retaliatory strikes from Iran target Israel and Gulf nations hosting American bases.
Beijing has called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation and has urged all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Gulf countries. Ms Mao emphasized that the conflict's spillover effects on neighbouring nations are a significant worry for China.
Violation of International Norms
The spokesperson stated that the US and Israel carried out the military strikes without authorisation from the UN Security Council, which she said breaches international legal standards. China, alongside France, has questioned the lack of UN approval for the operation, underscoring its commitment to multilateral frameworks.
Ms Mao also dismissed reports suggesting Iran was close to finalising a deal to purchase Chinese supersonic anti-ship missiles, asserting that China consistently fulfills its international obligations as a responsible global power.
Iran's Leadership and Regional Fallout
Following Khamenei's death, Iran has established a temporary leadership council comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council to assume the supreme leader's duties. The prospects for rebuilding Iran's leadership remain uncertain in the wake of the assassination.
In a related development, Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, declared on Monday via social media that Tehran will not negotiate with the US, accusing President Donald Trump of delusional ambitions and expressing concern over American casualties.
The conflict has sparked widespread protests, including incidents where UN facilities were set ablaze in regions like Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, as demonstrators rallied against the US-Israeli action. The situation continues to unfold, with China advocating for diplomatic solutions to restore stability in the Middle East.
