BEIJING: China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern after United States and Israeli forces launched a joint military strike on Iran, and urged an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Beijing called on all parties to avoid widening regional tensions and to return to dialogue and negotiation to preserve peace and stability.
In its statement, the ministry stressed that Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected, warning that continued hostilities risk destabilizing the wider Middle East.
China’s embassy in Israel advised Chinese citizens to evacuate to safer areas within the country or depart for Egypt via the Taba border. It also urged Chinese nationals in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible”, citing multiple land routes to neighbouring nations.
State‑run media agency Xinhua sharply criticised the attacks, calling them “brazen aggression against a sovereign nation” and a violation of the United Nations Charter, accusing Washington of using military coercion to assert dominance.
In response to the regional instability, Hong Kong‑based airline Cathay Group suspended operations in the Middle East, including flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, while rerouting services to avoid conflict zones.
China’s explicit call for a ceasefire underscores rising international concern over the situation following a dramatic escalation in the region after the strikes.
