Beijing: China on Wednesday urged against 'expanding' the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Expressing 'deep concern' about the current situation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated: 'China opposes any act that violates the principles of the UN Charter, violating sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of other countries.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Guo was reacting to a question on US President Donald Trump's statement that Washington knows "exactly" where Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is, saying he was safe "for now" while warning that "our patience is wearing thin." Trump mentioned in a social media post, "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now," and added, "But we don't want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin." He further emphasized his stance with a follow-up post stating, "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!"
However, Guo addressed a live-streamed news conference in Beijing, noting that the escalation of the situation in the Middle East 'serves no one's interest.' He highlighted the importance of influential countries taking an objective and just position to ease the situation and prevent the conflict from expanding.
Regional tensions have significantly risen since Friday, when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. This prompted Tehran to retaliate with strikes of its own. The conflict has resulted in at least 585 deaths and 1,326 injuries since Israel's initial attacks. In response, Iranian missile attacks have led to the deaths of at least 24 people and injuries to hundreds more in Israel.
China has condemned Israel's actions against Iran and has called for peaceful and political solutions to the Iranian nuclear issue. In addition, Beijing has advised its citizens in the conflict zones of Israel and Iran to evacuate. Guo reported that 791 Chinese citizens have been relocated from Iran to safer areas, with over 1,000 others in the process of evacuation.