China has condemned air and missile strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, declaring they violate international law and heighten the risk of a broader regional conflict. Beijing’s foreign ministry said the attacks undermine the sovereignty of a UN member state and threaten stability across West Asia at a time of already acute tensions.
Speaking in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China “strongly opposes the use of force” and urged all parties to exercise restraint. She stated that actions targeting Iran without explicit authorisation from the United Nations Security Council breach the principles of the UN Charter, particularly those concerning territorial integrity and non-interference. China called for an immediate halt to hostilities and warned that escalation could draw more actors into a widening confrontation.
The remarks followed coordinated strikes that Washington described as defensive and limited in scope, aimed at degrading what it called imminent threats to its forces and regional allies. Israeli officials framed their operations as necessary to counter Iranian military infrastructure and deter further attacks. Tehran has denounced the strikes as aggression and vowed a response, saying its right to self-defence under international law remains intact.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified over the past year, with cross-border exchanges and proxy engagements raising fears of direct confrontation. The United States has increased its military presence in parts of the Gulf, citing the need to protect shipping lanes and its personnel. Analysts note that while previous flare-ups were contained, the scale and coordination of the latest strikes mark a significant shift.
China’s response reflects its broader diplomatic positioning in West Asia, where it has sought to present itself as a stabilising actor. Beijing brokered a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023 and has repeatedly called for dialogue to resolve disputes. It maintains close economic ties with Tehran, including energy imports, and has criticised unilateral sanctions imposed by Washington.
Legal experts say the core dispute revolves around interpretations of self-defence and proportionality. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, states may act in self-defence if an armed attack occurs. Washington has argued that threats from Iran or its aligned groups justify pre-emptive measures to protect its forces. Critics counter that without clear evidence of an imminent attack, such strikes risk contravening international law.
China’s statement stopped short of announcing any specific countermeasures but indicated it would raise the issue at the United Nations. Beijing holds a permanent seat on the Security Council and has often aligned with Russia in opposing what it describes as unilateral military interventions. Moscow has also criticised the strikes, warning that they could destabilise energy markets and global security.
Markets reacted cautiously, with oil prices fluctuating amid concerns about supply disruptions. Iran is a significant oil producer, and any sustained conflict affecting Gulf shipping routes could have broader economic repercussions. Energy analysts point to the Strait of Hormuz as a critical chokepoint through which a substantial portion of global crude exports passes.
Regional governments have issued mixed responses. Some Gulf states called for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement, wary of being drawn into a confrontation that could threaten domestic security and economic diversification plans. Others reaffirmed their security partnerships with Washington while emphasising the need to avoid a wider war.
Israel has long viewed Iran’s regional activities and nuclear programme as existential threats. Although Tehran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, Western governments and Israel argue that its enrichment activities exceed civilian needs. Diplomatic efforts to revive a nuclear agreement have stalled, leaving limited channels for dialogue.
Beijing’s warning that the conflict risks widening underscores concerns about spillover into neighbouring countries where Iran-backed groups operate. Syria, Lebanon and Iraq have been theatres of indirect confrontation between Israel and Iranian-aligned forces. Any sustained escalation could complicate fragile political balances in those states.
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