Beijing (TDI): China has renewed its call for the United States and Iran to halt hostilities and return to diplomatic negotiations as tensions continue to escalate across the region.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing is “gravely” concerned about the situation, warning that continued military confrontation would only worsen instability and fail to resolve the underlying issues.
He stressed that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of regional countries must be respected, and urged all parties involved to stop military actions and resume dialogue. Lin also called for renewed engagement with ongoing mediation efforts, saying a ceasefire should be reached as soon as possible.
According to Lin, China has been in contact with relevant parties, including Iran, since the escalation began and has been actively supporting efforts to promote peace talks.
The statement came amid ongoing exchanges of attacks between the US and Iran over the past two weeks, which have sharply increased tensions in the region.
Read More: Trump Signals US May Seize Kharg Island, Control Iran’s Oil Infrastructure
Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had struck 18 US-linked military targets in the Gulf in response to US missile strikes on several locations, including sites near Tehran and other areas.
China also reiterated its concerns earlier in the week following fresh US airstrikes on Iranian military positions. Lin Jian said Beijing was “deeply concerned” and urged restraint from both sides, warning that continued escalation would further destabilize the region.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces carried out airstrikes on Iranian military targets after the downing of a US military helicopter, describing the operations as defensive in nature.
Read More: Diplomatic Efforts Underway As US-Iran Conflict Escalates With Strikes
In response, Iranian officials said their military had launched retaliatory strikes on US bases in the region, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of testing Iran’s resolve.
China has consistently urged both sides to de-escalate tensions, calling for restraint and a return to political and diplomatic solutions aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.
