BEIJING/HONG KONG: China has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions, denouncing what it describes as violations of Iran’s sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity. China also urged Israel to cease all provocative and high-risk military operations. These remarks were made by China’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the Middle East held on Friday, as reported by Xinhua, China’s state-run news agency.
Ambassador Fu stated that China opposes the further escalation of tensions and the widening of regional conflict, expressing deep concern about the potentially serious consequences of Israel’s military actions.
He further underscored Beijing’s apprehension that the ongoing hostilities could severely undermine diplomatic efforts related to the Iranian nuclear issue, which has long been a focal point of international negotiations.
The statements came in the wake of extensive Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets early Friday, which Israel characterized as the beginning of a broader, sustained military campaign aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
In retaliation, Iran declared that nuclear negotiations with the United States were now “meaningless” in light of the Israeli offensive. Later that evening, Iran launched counterattacks, with explosions reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv—Israel’s two largest cities.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating security situation, the Chinese government issued safety advisories for its citizens residing in both Israel and Iran. Chinese nationals in Israel were specifically urged to remain alert and prepare for potential missile and drone attacks, given the “complex and severe” nature of the evolving threat landscape.
