On March 1, China described the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran as ’’unacceptable’’, warned of the risk of destabilisation in the Gulf region, and urged an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations.
In an official readout, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said it was unacceptable for the United States and Israel to attack Iran while U.S.-Iran talks were underway.
According to Wang, the strikes run counter to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and signal a rejection of resolving the conflict through diplomatic means. He also criticised what he characterised as the targeted ’’elimination’’ of a sovereign state’s leader and said any actions aimed at facilitating regime change were unacceptable.
Ambassador and representative of China to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said Beijing was ’’deeply saddened’’ by civilian casualties, stressing that in armed conflict the ’’red line’’ of protecting civilians must not be crossed.
Fu Cong’s remarks came as Reuters reported that an emergency UN Security Council meeting was convened on February 28 at the request of China and Russia. Both sides called for an end to escalation and the activation of diplomatic mechanisms to address the crisis.
Chinese state media also reported Beijing’s position, emphasising China’s opposition to the use of force and urging the parties to pursue de-escalation through negotiations within the framework of international law.
China’s tough criticism is not only political, but significant economic considerations also shape it. If instability in the Gulf region becomes prolonged, China’s energy supply routes could quickly come under pressure: shipping and insurance costs would rise, driving up import bills. The Strait of Hormuz is one of Asia’s most important transit corridors. U.S. data indicate that most oil and liquefied natural gas passing through the strait is bound for Asian markets, with China among the largest importers.
Author: Mariam Simsive
