China Slams Killing of Iran’s Ali Larijani, Urges Immediate Ceasefire

China Slams Killing of Iran’s Ali Larijani, Urges Immediate Ceasefire

China has strongly condemned the killing of Iranian National Security Chief Ali Larijani, describing the strike as “unacceptable” and warning that escalating violence could push the Middle East into deeper instability.

Speaking on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing opposes the use of force in international relations, particularly the targeting of senior government officials and civilians.

According to Lin, the killing of the former Iranian national security chief in a reported Israeli airstrike marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

He stressed that such actions are “unacceptable” and urged all parties to immediately halt military operations to prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control.

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The death of Larijani is one of the most high-profile casualties since the war began on February 28, following a wave of coordinated strikes that reportedly killed several top Iranian officials. The development has heightened global concerns over a broader regional confrontation.

While maintaining close ties with Tehran, China has also criticised Iran’s retaliatory attacks, particularly those targeting Gulf countries hosting US military bases. Beijing’s position reflects a broader call for restraint from all sides involved in the conflict.

As part of its diplomatic response, China has intensified mediation efforts led by its Middle East envoy, Zhai Jun. The envoy has held high-level talks across key regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt.

During the meetings, Zhai emphasised the need to avoid attacks on civilian infrastructure and safeguard critical shipping routes, warning that disruptions to maritime trade could have far-reaching global consequences.

Chinese officials described the envoy’s tour as part of “intensive diplomatic mediation efforts”, adding that Beijing will continue engaging all parties until the conflict subsides.

Beyond diplomacy, China has also pledged humanitarian assistance to countries affected by the war, including Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

Analysts say China’s response underscores its strategic interest in maintaining stability in the Middle East, a region vital to global energy supplies and trade routes.

With tensions continuing to rise, fears are mounting that further targeted killings and retaliatory strikes could trigger a wider regional crisis with significant geopolitical and economic implications.

China Slams Killing of Iran’s Ali Larijani, Urges Immediate Ceasefire