China’s message to Washington as it throws weight behind Iran, calls on US and Israel to stop war

(FILES) Two men run past Iran's flag as it flies at half mast at the Iranian embassy in Beijing on May 20, 2024. (Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP)

China has voiced strong support for Iran amid escalating conflict with the US and Israel, urging both to halt military actions. Beijing warned of risks to global energy supplies, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, and called for diplomatic solutions to regional tensions.

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China has stepped up its diplomatic messaging amid the widening conflict in West Asia, expressing clear support for Iran while calling on the United States and Israel to halt military operations. The statements came as fighting between Iran, the US and Israel intensified across the region, raising concerns about further escalation and disruption to global energy supplies.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed Beijing’s position during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, Wang said Beijing supports Tehran as it confronts attacks from the US and Israel.

Wang told Araghchi that China “cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Iran, supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and supports Iran in protecting its legitimate rights and interests”, CCTV reported.

He also delivered a direct message to Washington and Tel Aviv, urging an immediate halt to the conflict. According to CCTV, Wang said China had “urged the US and Israel to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading to the entire Middle East region”.

China criticises US and Israel

China’s criticism of the US and Israel was not limited to its communication with Tehran. During a separate phone call with Oman’s foreign minister Badr Albusaidi, Wang accused Washington and Tel Aviv of escalating the conflict.

He said the two countries were “violating the purposes and principles of the UN charter” by “deliberately instigating a war against Iran”, according to CCTV.

Wang added that China was willing to play a role in easing tensions through international diplomacy.

“China is also willing to play a constructive role, including upholding justice, striving for peace, and stopping the war through the platform of the UN Security Council,” he told Albusaidi, CCTV reported.

The Chinese foreign minister also warned about the broader global consequences of the conflict during a call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

“Major powers cannot arbitrarily attack other countries based on their military superiority”, Wang said, warning that the world risked “regression to the law of the jungle”, according to CCTV.

He added that the Iranian nuclear issue should ultimately be resolved through diplomacy.

“The Iranian nuclear issue must ultimately return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement,” Wang said.

Strait of Hormuz concerns

China also raised alarm over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes for oil and gas.

Nearly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil supply passes through the narrow waterway. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared the strait closed on Saturday, prompting several international shipping companies to suspend passage through the route.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called for immediate steps to protect shipping lanes and prevent wider economic disruption.

“China urges all parties to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions, maintain the safety of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent a greater impact on the global economy,” Mao said during a regular press briefing on Tuesday.

She also stressed that Beijing would take steps to safeguard its own energy interests.

“Energy security is of great importance to the global economy. China will take necessary measures to ensure its energy security,” Mao said.

China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil, much of which is transported through the Strait of Hormuz.

Conflict spreading across the region

The diplomatic exchanges come as the conflict continues to widen across the Middle East.

Iran has expanded attacks on American and Israeli targets across the Gulf region. The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia was hit by suspected Iranian drones, while explosions were reported in Iraq and air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain.

Israel has also stepped up its military operations, carrying out strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut.

The fighting has already caused heavy casualties. Hundreds of people have died in Iran since the United States and Israel began striking dozens of targets in the country. Iran has responded with waves of missiles and drones aimed at Israel, Gulf states and a British military base in Cyprus.

At least four US military personnel have been killed in the fighting so far, while US President Donald Trump has warned that the war with Iran could last for weeks.

Against this backdrop, China’s statements signal a clear diplomatic stance. Beijing is backing Tehran politically while warning Washington and its allies that further escalation could destabilise the entire region and threaten the global economy.