China Condemns US-Israel Attack on Iran, Demands Halt to Military Action

Kathmandu. Iran has strongly condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an attack carried out by the United States and Israel, demanding a halt to military action in Iran.

A statement issued by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "This assassination is a serious violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, an encroachment upon the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic norms of international relations."

"China strongly opposes and condemns this," the statement read, "China demands that military action against Iran must cease immediately."

Chinese state media reported that Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi expressed China's opposition to the attack targeting a high-ranking official in Iran during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, following the talks.

According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Wang told Lavrov during the dialogue initiated by the Russian leader that China finds it "unacceptable" that the US and Israel are "openly assassinating a sovereign leader and inciting regime change."

Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that Wang told Lavrov that China is "very concerned" about the situation in the Middle East, stating that it could push the region's security into a dangerous phase.

Wang stated, "The international community must send a clear message opposing 'anarchic activities' and global regression."

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Sunday that the assassination constituted a "violation of all norms of human morality and international law."

Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated late Sunday that at least one Chinese citizen was injured and some temporary travelers were stranded in the attack.

The statement did not provide detailed information on the number, status, or location of affected Chinese citizens in the region.

Beijing had urged its citizens in Iran a few days prior to leave the country "as soon as possible."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated this call on Sunday, informing that Chinese passport holders can use visa-free land routes to Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey from Iran.