China condemns Israeli attacks on Iran

China's Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, said at the UN Security Council's emergency meeting on the Middle East on Friday local time that China condemns Israel's violation of Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, urging Israel to immediately cease all military adventurism, after Israel launched Friday a large-scale strike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran.

This attack took place just days before negotiators from the US and Iran were scheduled to meet in Oman this Sunday for a sixth round of talks on Tehran's nuclear program. 

A Chinese expert commented that as Israel believes Iran is nearing the nuclear threshold, having achieved substantial technical capabilities, Israel is no longer pinning its hope on US-Iran negotiations to resolve this and seeks to destroy or at least stall Iran's program to maintain Israel's nuclear dominance in the Middle East.

Fu Cong said Israel launched a large-scale attack on multiple targets inside Iran early Friday, damaging Iranian nuclear facilities and causing casualties. Fu said China opposes any action that escalates tensions and expands conflict, and expresses grave concern over the potential severe consequences of Israel's actions.

He stressed that the sudden escalation of regional tensions serves no one's interests. China urges Israel to immediately halt all military provocations and avoid further escalation. He called on all parties to uphold the UN Charter and international law, resolve disputes through dialogue, and jointly uphold regional peace and stability.

Fu expressed China's deep concern over the negative impact of the current developments on diplomatic negotiations concerning the Iranian nuclear issue. He reiterated China's commitment to resolving the issue through dialogue and negotiation, opposes the use of force and illegal unilateral sanctions, and condemns armed attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities. Iran, as a Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory, has the legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, which should be fully respected.

Fu noted that ongoing conflicts and rising tensions in the Middle East have triggered unprecedented humanitarian crises, especially in Gaza, which remains under long-term assault and siege. The international community must work collectively to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, de-escalate regional tensions, and prevent further spillover of conflicts. Countries with significant influence over Israel should play a constructive role. The Security Council must utilize all means provided under the UN Charter to ensure the implementation of its resolutions and fulfill its responsibility in maintaining regional peace and security.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security at the United Nations Headquarters on June 13. Photo:VCG

Meanwhile, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday also condemned Israeli attacks on Iran's nuclear and military facilities that started early Friday and have continued since, and urged for a return to diplomacy.

Wang spoke over the phone separately with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Saturday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in separate readouts.

Wang, during his conversation with Araghchi, stressed Beijing's "clear condemnation" of "Israel's violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity," and expressed support to Tehran in "safeguarding its national sovereignty and legitimate rights."

Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments, denouncing nuclear facility attacks in particular and warning that these actions could "drag" the entire region into a "full-scale war."

Wang called Israel's actions a "violation" of the UN Charter and "the basic norms of international relations." He said the strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities set "a dangerous precedent that could have disastrous consequences."

Wang also urged countries with "influence over Israel to make concrete efforts to restore peace."

Araghchi, in turn, urged the global community to request Israel to stop its military operations.

Saar, during his call with Wang, also explained Israel's stance and views on the issue.

Wang, in response, expressed opposition to Israel's attacks on Iran, saying the tensions will affect all of the Middle East.

Wang said diplomatic means to solve the Iranian nuclear issue are not yet exhausted and that hope for a peaceful solution remains. He urged for returning to diplomatic means.