The world woke to a drastically altered Middle East as global powers and regional neighbours scrambled to respond to “Operation Epic Fury”, a “massive and ongoing” joint military assault by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Beijing joined a growing chorus of international alarm on Saturday, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry issuing a stern response to the strikes. However, in a display of diplomatic caution, it stopped short of an outright condemnation.
“China is deeply concerned about the military strikes against Iran by the United States and Israel,” the ministry said in a brief statement.
Beijing urged restraint on all sides on Saturday, warning that further escalation could destabilise the Middle East and calling for an “immediate cessation of military action” and a return to the negotiating table.
“Iran’s national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected. China calls for an immediate cessation of military action, prevention of further escalation of tensions, resumption of dialogue and negotiations, and maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East,” the statement said.
US and Israel launch major strikes on Iran