Manzar Naqvi
KARACHI: China has strongly denounced the killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets, describing such actions as “unacceptable” and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Addressing a routine press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated Beijing’s firm opposition to the use of force in international relations and emphasized the need to protect civilian lives at all times.
“The killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets are by no means acceptable,” Lin said, referring to reports that senior Iranian official Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, had been killed in an Israeli strike.
The spokesperson also expressed deep concern over remarks attributed to Israeli authorities suggesting that troops had been granted authority to target Iranian officials without prior approval.
“We are shocked by such statements,” Lin noted, warning that such rhetoric and actions risk intensifying tensions and undermining efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Highlighting the rapidly deteriorating security situation, Lin said the ongoing conflict is expanding and poses a serious threat of spilling over into the wider region. He noted that calls for a ceasefire are growing louder across the international community.
“As tensions escalate and the conflict continues, there is an increasing global demand for an early ceasefire and an end to hostilities,” he said.
China urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, immediately halt military operations, and prevent the situation from descending into uncontrollable chaos.
“We call on all sides to stop military actions at once and avoid pushing the regional situation to the brink,” Lin added.
The statement comes amid rising fears of a broader confrontation, as continued military exchanges heighten the risk of regional instability with potential global repercussions, particularly for energy markets and international security.
Reaffirming its long-standing position, China stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving conflicts in the Middle East.
Analysts say Beijing’s strong response reflects mounting international concern over increasing civilian casualties and targeted strikes, with growing pressure on all sides to return to negotiations.
While diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify in the coming days, the situation on the ground remains tense, with uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the conflict.
