China has called for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic talks to end the escalating conflict in the Middle East, now in its third day.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Monday that “the most urgent task is an immediate cessation of military operations and preventing a spread and spillover of conflict.”
Israel and the United States have been conducting strikes on Iran and Lebanon. The attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials.
Mao confirmed that one Chinese citizen was killed in Tehran. She said the Chinese embassy in Iran has been instructed to assist the victim’s family.
China said it was not informed in advance of the US military action. Beijing and Moscow have called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting.
More than 3,000 Chinese nationals have already left Iran, while Beijing warned citizens last week against traveling there.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vowed to launch the “most ferocious” operation against Israel and US bases in Gulf countries.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China from March 31 to April 2.
Mao said Beijing and Washington are “maintaining communication regarding the interactions between the leaders of the two countries.”
