Israel-Iran Conflict: Strikes on Tehran | ‘Ring of Fire’ Response

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by telephone this Monday with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchí, and assured him of China’s support in defending its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, in Beijing’s first firm show of support for its partner Tehran since the attacks by the US and Israel.

According to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the call was made at the request of Araqchí, and during the communication Wang said that the offensive by the United States and Israel “violates international law and crosses Iran’s red lines.”

The Chinese foreign minister stated that Iran has “no choice” but to defend itself after the attack, and urged the United States and Israel to “immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation and prevent the entire Middle East from joining the conflict.” China, Wang said, according to the Foreign Ministry statement, supports Iran in “protecting its legitimate rights and interests.”