China Condemns US-Israel Strikes on Iran, Calls for Ceasefire

Beijing has strongly condemned the recent joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic talks to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

China’s Diplomatic Response

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced his country’s disapproval during a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. He stated that the “blatant attack and killing of a leader of a sovereign state and incitement to regime change are unacceptable,” according to The Straits Times. China “resolutely opposes and strongly condemns” the attack.

Wang Yi also expressed concern that the conflict was spreading throughout the Persian Gulf and could lead to a “dangerous abyss,” emphasizing the need for an immediate halt to military operations and a return to dialogue, and negotiation. He called on the international community to oppose unilateral military actions not authorized by the United Nations, as reported by The Straits Times.

Citizen Safety and Evacuations

China has reported that one of its citizens was killed in the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it has instructed the Chinese Embassy in Iran to provide assistance to those affected and their families, according to News24Online.

More than 3,000 Chinese nationals have left Iran as of Monday, March 2, 2026, following a warning from Beijing advising its citizens not to travel to Iran due to the current security situation, News24Online reported.

Regional Implications and Calls for De-escalation

The escalating conflict, triggered by the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has prompted retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the region. The U.S. And Israel’s actions are seen as potentially aiming for regime change in Iran, a move that could destabilize the region, as noted by CNBC. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have vowed a “most vicious” operation in response.

While Russia and China have issued strong diplomatic protests, analysts suggest neither country is likely to provide significant military aid to Iran, offering primarily rhetorical support, according to CNBC.

China’s call for a ceasefire aligns with its broader concerns about regional stability and its opposition to unilateral military actions, as highlighted by Reuters.