China has expressed support for Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty while urging an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic resolution as conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel continues to spread across the Middle East.
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, conveyed Beijing’s position during a telephone conversation on Monday with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
The call came amid intensifying hostilities that have left hundreds dead in Iran since Saturday, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on dozens of military and strategic targets across the country.
During the discussion, Wang reaffirmed China’s longstanding ties with Tehran and stated that Beijing supports Iran’s efforts to safeguard its national interests.
“China cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Iran,” Wang said, adding that Beijing supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national dignity, as well as protecting its legitimate rights and interests.
Iran has retaliated against the strikes by launching waves of missiles and drones targeting Israel, Gulf states and a British military facility in Cyprus, significantly widening the scope of the conflict.
Despite backing Iran’s defensive position, China urged restraint from all parties and called on Washington and Tel Aviv to halt military operations immediately.
According to Wang, China has urged the United States and Israel to cease attacks, avoid further escalation and prevent the crisis from expanding into a full-scale regional war.
In a separate phone conversation with Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, Wang accused the United States and Israel of violating the principles of the United Nations Charter by initiating military action against Iran.
He said China was prepared to play a “constructive role” in restoring stability through diplomatic engagement and through mechanisms within the United Nations Security Council.
Warning Against Global Instability
Wang also spoke with France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, warning that continued military escalation risked pushing the international system toward what he described as a “law of the jungle,” where stronger nations impose their will through force.
“Major powers cannot arbitrarily attack other countries based on their military superiority,” Wang said, stressing that the Iranian nuclear issue must ultimately return to political and diplomatic negotiations.
Rising Casualties and Uncertain Outlook
The conflict has already resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate hundreds of deaths inside Iran since the strikes began, while at least four U.S. military personnel have been killed during the fighting.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the confrontation with Iran could continue for several weeks, raising fears of prolonged instability across the Middle East and potential global economic consequences.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but with military operations continuing on multiple fronts, prospects for an immediate resolution remain uncertain.
