China condemns killing of Iranian leaders, attacks on civilians

China on Thursday said the killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets are “unacceptable”, as tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, speaking at a regular press briefing, said Beijing opposes the use of force in international relations.

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“The killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets are by no means acceptable,” he said in response to a question.

The remarks came after reports that Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli strike.

China has repeatedly called for restraint and a peaceful resolution as the conflict intensifies.

Earlier, China on Tuesday announced emergency humanitarian assistance for Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, citing worsening humanitarian conditions amid ongoing regional conflict.

Speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing, Lin said the conflict had caused “excruciating humanitarian disasters” affecting people in Iran and other countries in the region.

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“China deeply sympathises with people in relevant countries and our hearts go out to them,” he said.

Lin added that China would continue efforts to promote peace and a ceasefire, facilitate the early restoration of regional stability, and prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening.

Gulf Arab states are pressing the United States not to stop short in its campaign against Iran, urging it to neutralise Tehran’s ability to threaten the region’s oil lifeline, sources and diplomats told Reuters.