China backs Iran’s ‘self-defence’ as middle East war escalates

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during a phone call on Monday that Beijing supports Tehran in defending itself against ongoing US-Israeli strikes, as the conflict spreads across the Middle East.

According to China’s state broadcaster, Wang said Beijing “cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Iran” and supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national dignity. He added that China backs Iran in protecting its legitimate rights and interests.

Hundreds have reportedly died in Iran since Saturday, when the United States and Israel began striking dozens of targets across the country.

Tehran responded by launching waves of missiles and drones targeting Israel, several Gulf states, and a British military base in Cyprus.

China Urges Ceasefire, Warns Against Escalation

Wang said China has urged Washington and Tel Aviv to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation and prevent the conflict from engulfing the wider Middle East region.

In a separate call with Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, Wang accused the United States and Israel of violating the principles of the UN Charter by deliberately instigating war against Iran.

He stated that China is willing to play a constructive role through the United Nations Security Council, striving for peace and seeking to halt the war through diplomatic channels.

In another conversation with France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Wang warned that the world risks a “regression to the law of the jungle,” cautioning that major powers must not arbitrarily attack other nations based on military superiority.

He stressed that the Iranian nuclear issue must ultimately return to political and diplomatic negotiations.

So far, four US military personnel have reportedly been killed in the fighting. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has warned that the war with Iran could last for weeks.