New Delhi, India | June 13, 2025,
In a major diplomatic development, China has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent military strikes against Iran, intensifying global concerns over a widening conflict in the Middle East. The Chinese government’s statement, widely shared on social media, asserts that Israel’s actions violate international law and risk further destabilizing an already volatile region.
China’s Official Stance
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated Beijing’s opposition to the “abuse of force” and violations of national sovereignty, specifically referencing Israel’s strikes on Iranian military facilities. “China opposes violating the sovereignty and undermining the security of other countries and opposes the abuse of force. The tensions in the Middle East are running high. Relevant parties need to refrain from further increasing the overall security risks in the region,” the spokesperson stated, urging all involved to de-escalate and respect international legal norms1.
This condemnation aligns with earlier warnings from United Nations experts, who have cautioned that retaliatory military actions between Israel and Iran risk breaching Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against another state’s sovereignty. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) previously noted that Israel’s invocation of self-defense under Article 51 was no longer justified after the immediate threat from Iran’s missile and drone attack in April 2024 was repelled.
Regional Alliances and the SCO
China’s firm response is also seen in the context of its deepening strategic partnership with Iran, which became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in July 202323. The SCO, a Eurasian security and economic alliance led by China and Russia, now counts Iran and Belarus among its ranks, further complicating the regional balance of power. Analysts note that Iran’s membership in the SCO not only enhances its regional clout but could also create new mutual defense expectations among member states3.
Escalating Tensions
The latest crisis was triggered by Israel’s unprecedented strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, described by Israeli officials as “preemptive” actions against perceived threats45. These attacks follow a series of escalating incidents, including Iran’s large-scale missile and drone retaliation in April, which injured civilians and damaged Israeli military infrastructure. The OHCHR has warned that such cycles of retaliation risk constituting international crimes of aggression and called for urgent de-escalation to safeguard human rights.
Global Reactions and Social Media Debate
China’s condemnation has fueled intense debate online, with many Chinese social media users expressing strong criticism of Israel and the United States6. Some voices have called for China to move beyond diplomatic statements and offer tangible support to Iran, while others warn of the broader geopolitical risks, including the possibility that China itself could become a future target of Western intervention.
Expert Insights
Experts suggest that China’s stance signals a shift from its traditionally neutral posture in Middle Eastern conflicts. Driven by significant energy interests and a desire to counterbalance Western influence, Beijing’s alignment with Iran and the SCO could reshape the strategic landscape. “China has demonstrated a clear inclination to align with Iran and its proxies,” said Zineb Riboua, a research fellow at the Hudson Institute, noting that China’s interests in the region are increasingly transactional and strategically motivated7.
Outlook
With Israel declaring a state of emergency and warning of further Iranian retaliation, the risk of a broader regional conflict involving major powers is rising45. The international community is watching closely as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further escalation.
