BEIJING (Reuters) -China was deeply concerned about the Israeli attacks on Iran and urged de-escalation for regional peace and stability, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.
“China opposes any infringement upon Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and opposes any escalation of tensions and expansion of conflicts. A sudden rise in regional tensions is not in the interests of any party,” Spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press briefing.
Lin also said China was ready to play a constructive role in easing the situation.
Israel launched large-scale strikes against Iran on Friday, saying it was the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Iran promised a harsh response with Israel saying it was working to intercept about 100 drones launched towards its territory.
Beijing and Tehran share friendly ties, supported by China’s search for energy security through Iran’s oil shipments and a wider strategy of increasing influence across the Middle East to rival the United States.
Earlier on Friday, the Chinese embassies in Israel and Iran issued advisories to citizens warning of the “complex and severe” security situation in the two countries. The embassy in Tel Aviv also warned those in Israel to prepare for possible missile, rocket and drone attacks.
(Reporting by Colleen Howe; Writing by Yukun Zhang and Liz Lee; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Kate Mayberry)
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