Beijing, Mar 2 (.) China on Monday expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, warning of regional spillover and calling for full respect for the sovereignty of Gulf nations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was closely monitoring the situation after strikes began on February 28.
“China is deeply concerned about the spillover of the military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, which has affected Iran’s neighbouring countries,” Mao said.“China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf countries should also be fully respected,” she added.
Responding to reports that US military facilities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan had come under attack, Mao said the US-Israeli strikes lacked UN Security Council authorization and violated international law.
“The priority now is to immediately stop the military operations and prevent the spread and spillover of the conflict,” she said, urging all parties to avoid further escalation.
She welcomed the statement issued at the 50th Extraordinary Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, which reaffirmed dialogue and diplomacy as the only way to resolve the crisis and preserve regional security.
“China firmly opposes the use of force in international relations or infringement on other countries’ sovereignty and security,” she said. “China stands ready to work with the international community to call for peace and stop the conflict, resolve issues through dialogue and negotiations.”
Addressing reports that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard was blocking commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Mao underlined the strategic importance of the waterway.
“The Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are an important international trade route for goods and energy,” she said, adding that regional stability serves the common interests of the international community.
China also confirmed it has stepped up efforts to protect its nationals in Iran. Mao said that as of March 2, more than 3,000 Chinese citizens had been evacuated, with diplomatic missions in neighbouring countries deploying working groups to assist evacuees at border crossings.
“Given the severe security situation in Iran, we once again advise Chinese citizens in Iran to take extra safety precautions and leave Iran as soon as possible,” she said.
“The attack and killing of Iran’s supreme leader is a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security. It tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it,” she said.
On diplomatic efforts, Mao said the UN Security Council had convened an emergency meeting with the support of China and Russia to discuss the situation. She added that China was not notified in advance about the US military operations.
When asked about US President Donald Trump’s remarks that the war could last for weeks, Mao reiterated China’s call for restraint.
“We urge parties to immediately stop the military operations, prevent further escalation of the tense situation and make joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large,” she said.
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