China on Sunday voiced strong opposition to recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, saying such strikes were "unacceptable" and urging an immediate halt to military operations. The statement, reported by state news agency Xinhua, said the strikes occurred during U.S.-Iran negotiations and criticised what it described as the "blatant killing of a sovereign leader" and actions that incite regime change. The comment followed Iranian reports that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died in Saturday’s barrage.
During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, China’s Foreign Minister conveyed Beijing’s demand for a cessation of hostilities and a rapid return to diplomatic dialogue, Xinhua said. The ministry additionally called for a united stance against unilateral measures, emphasizing opposition to escalation and a preference for negotiations.
According to Chinese statements, the United States and Israel launched the strikes early on Saturday with the objective of degrading Iran’s military capability. China’s foreign ministry had on Saturday already expressed concern about the attacks, publicly urging an immediate ceasefire and asking all parties to avoid further escalation and to resume talks as soon as practicable. The ministry reiterated that Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be respected.
Beijing also moved to protect its citizens in the region. China’s embassy in Israel issued an advisory on Sunday recommending that Chinese nationals relocate to safer areas within Israel or depart for Egypt using the Taba land crossing. Separately, the foreign ministry urged Chinese citizens in Iran to leave as soon as possible and listed four overland routes out of the country - through Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Iraq.
State-run Xinhua published a commentary on Sunday condemning the strikes in strident terms, labelling the attacks as "brazen aggression against a sovereign nation" and as examples of "power politics and hegemony." The commentary said Washington’s use of military coercion amounted to a "flagrant violation" of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and a departure from "fundamental norms of international relations."
The fallout has extended to commercial aviation. Hong Kong-based Cathay Group announced on Saturday that it had suspended operations in the Middle East, affecting passenger services to and from Dubai and Riyadh as well as freighter services operating through Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. Cathay said it was re-routing flights that normally traverse the affected airspace. The disruption has contributed to widespread cancellations and interruptions to scheduled services.
Readers may also note market queries referenced in coverage: a question was raised about the valuation of ticker 0293 and a Fair Value calculator was mentioned as a tool that uses a mix of 17 industry valuation models to assess stocks. The conflict and its diplomatic repercussions are continuing to affect travel routes and international responses.