China has strongly condemned the recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, saying they “seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law” and have “exacerbated tensions in the Middle East.”

In a four-sentence statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized the attack and said China is “willing to join efforts to restore peace” in the region. It also urged all sides, “especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible.”

This marks China’s first official response since the US military operation targeted Iran’s key nuclear facilities.

Chinese Media Calls It a “Dangerous Turning Point”

Even before the government’s reaction, China’s state broadcaster’s foreign-language arm described the US strikes as “a dangerous turning point” in the Middle East conflict.

The state-run Global Times also warned that the American action could push “the Iran-Israel conflict closer toward an uncontrollable state.”

US Strikes Three Iranian Nuclear Sites

On Sunday, the US carried out a major military operation targeting three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.

President Donald Trump said the US used B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles, and claimed the mission “totally and completely obliterated” the sites.

China Reacts Cautiously Despite Strong Words

Although Beijing issued a strong statement, it hasn’t announced any direct support for Iran. Experts say China is acting carefully because it depends on oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane between Iran and its Gulf neighbors.

Iran has often threatened to close the strait. If it does, China’s energy supply would suffer. China buys 47% of Iran’s seaborne crude oil, making it Iran’s biggest oil customer.

Still, as Bloomberg reported, China is already dealing with US trade restrictions and may avoid any direct move that risks more sanctions.

US Urges China to Use Its Influence

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to talk to Iran about the growing risks. He said, “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil.”