China Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Iran, Urges De-escalation Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
China's Foreign Ministry has expressed high concern about the recent airstrikes conducted by Israel against multiple targets inside Iran, including in Tehran, resulting in explosions and reportedly causing 329 injuries and 78 casualties according to Iranian media. This escalation is part of a conflict cycle between Iran and Israel, with China strongly opposing actions that violate Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. The Chinese government has warned against actions that could escalate tensions in the region and has called on relevant parties to take steps promoting regional peace and stability.
18 June 2025
In practical terms, China initiated evacuation operations on April 17, with nearly 800 Chinese citizens evacuated from Iran and over 1,000 more in the process of being evacuated through land routes to neighboring countries like Jordan and Armenia. This significant escalation in Middle East tensions highlights China's role as a major diplomatic player in the region, with immediate impact on Chinese citizens in the affected areas and concerns about broader regional stability and international security implications.
China's response to Israel's strikes on Iran reveals several important implications, including a clear stance condemning Israel's actions as violations of Iran's sovereignty, positioning Beijing as a potential peace broker in the Middle East. This reflects China's broader strategy of increasing diplomatic influence in the region, driven by concerns over protection of energy supply routes and oil interests, safeguarding regional stability for Belt and Road Initiative projects, and maintaining strategic partnerships.
The situation demonstrates China's growing role as a major diplomatic player in Middle East affairs, providing an opportunity for China to present itself as an alternative mediator to US influence. Beijing's balanced approach, calling for dialogue while condemning specific actions, shows sophisticated diplomatic maneuvering. The potential disruption to energy markets and supply chains, impact on Chinese investments and economic interests in both Iran and the broader Middle East, and concerns about the stability of maritime routes crucial for China's trade are all significant economic implications.
China emphasizes preventing conflict escalation, focusing on maintaining regional stability for economic and strategic interests, and positioning itself as a responsible stakeholder in global security matters. This response indicates China's evolving role from a primarily economic power to a more comprehensive global player, actively engaging in complex international conflicts while protecting its strategic interests.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed deep concern about the potential serious consequences of Israel's actions, opposing violations of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. On social media platforms like Weibo, the military aspect of the conflict garnered significant attention, with topics related to military capabilities and defense systems reaching over 70 million views. The general tone of discussion focused more on the technical and military aspects rather than diplomatic positioning, with Chinese netizens appearing more interested in the military-technical aspects of the conflict.
Key figures involved in China's response include Lin Jian, who delivered China's official response, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, who stated the military operation targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and missile factories, and Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Kanaani Bagheri, who condemned Israel's actions as a war crime. China's position emphasizes opposition to violating Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, a call for de-escalation and avoiding further tensions, and China's willingness to play a constructive role in easing the situation.
