China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced apprehension regarding the US-Israeli military actions against Iran and has urged an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the need for all parties to avoid escalation and resume dialogue and negotiation. The ministry emphasized the importance of respecting Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity in a statement released on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Chinese embassy in Israel issued a notice advising Chinese nationals in the country to relocate to safer areas within Israel promptly or to depart for Egypt via the Taba border crossing. The foreign ministry of China also encouraged Chinese citizens in Iran to depart "as soon as possible," providing guidance on four land routes to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, and Iraq.
The United States and Israel conducted an assault on Iran on Saturday, targeting its military capabilities. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed during the operation, according to state media.
In a commentary on Sunday, China's state-run news agency Xinhua condemned the attack as "brazen aggression against a sovereign nation" driven by "power politics and hegemony." Xinhua criticized Washington's military coercion as a "flagrant violation" of the United Nations Charter's principles and a departure from the "fundamental norms of international relations."
Additionally, the Hong Kong-based airline operator Cathay Group 1981.HK announced on Saturday the suspension of its operations in the Middle East due to regional tensions following the strikes. This suspension affects passenger flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, as well as freighter services operating through Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, as stated by Cathay, the parent company of Cathay Pacific Airways 0293.HK. The company mentioned rerouting flights that typically traverse the impacted area.
