Beijing: In a significant development amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed unwavering support for Iran and condemned Israeli strikes, particularly those targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. In a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Xi called for an immediate ceasefire — “especially by Israel” — and emphasized the urgent need to halt civilian casualties, reported the Al Jazeera.
This marks Xi’s first public statement on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which has intensified following Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” that struck key Iranian infrastructure. Iran retaliated with missile strikes, further heightening fears of a broader regional war.
Xi highlighted that “use of force is not the solution to international disputes” and urged all involved, particularly Israel, to cease hostilities immediately. He stressed that protecting civilian lives must be the top priority and urged conflicting parties to strictly adhere to international law.
“Dialogue and negotiation remain the only path to lasting peace,” Xi said, calling on global powers with influence over the conflict, particularly those with permanent seats at the UN Security Council, to push for de-escalation. He criticized any moves that worsen the crisis and emphasized that the Security Council must play a greater role in restoring peace in the region.
Both China and Russia are long-time allies of Iran, and their coordinated call for calm underscores growing global pressure on Israel. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the two leaders “strongly condemn Israel’s actions that violate the UN Charter and international law.”
Putin, during the conversation, labeled Israel’s attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities as “very dangerous” and reaffirmed Russia’s stance that the issue must be resolved through diplomacy, not war. He warned that further escalation would not serve any party’s interest and stressed the importance of safeguarding the lives of third-country nationals caught in the crossfire.
President Xi also pointed to the broader implications of the conflict, noting that the situation in the Middle East has become “very critical,” reflecting a global shift into an era of instability. He warned that the continuation of violence would inflict deeper harm not only on Iran and Israel but also on surrounding countries.
China pledged to continue working with the international community to promote peace and justice and reiterated its commitment to maintain strategic coordination with Russia. The two nations emphasized their shared vision of a multipolar world order and stronger bilateral ties amid growing tensions with Western powers.
While both China and Russia have condemned Israel’s military actions, they have stopped short of pledging direct military assistance to Iran. However, their diplomatic backing bolsters Tehran’s position at a time when US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran’s Supreme Leader with targeted action and warned of potential US strikes within two weeks.
As the Middle East crisis unfolds, the strategic alliance among China, Russia, and Iran is becoming a counterweight to US and Israeli influence in the region — reshaping geopolitical dynamics with global consequences.
