China Condemns Israeli Strikes, Calls Killings of Iranian Leaders 'Unacceptable'
China has strongly condemned Israel's targeted killings of senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, labeling them "unacceptable." These assassinations are part of an escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, with Beijing reiterating its opposition to the use of force and advocating for restraint.
Key Highlights
- China condemns killing of Iranian leaders Larijani and Khatib.
- Beijing calls the assassinations 'unacceptable' and opposes use of force.
- Larijani and Khatib were killed in Israeli airstrikes amid ongoing conflict.
- Netanyahu authorized free targeting of senior Iranian officials.
- The events are part of escalating Iran-Israel hostilities with global implications.
China has issued a strong condemnation of the recent Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of prominent Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. The condemnations, articulated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, characterized these killings and attacks on civilian targets as "unacceptable" and reaffirmed Beijing's consistent opposition to the use of force in international relations. [6, 10, 11, 14, 34, 36]
The assassinations are a stark escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which intensified following US-Israeli strikes on Iran around February 28, 2026. [18, 28] Ali Larijani, considered a highly influential figure and one of the most senior officials remaining after the earlier reported assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike near Tehran on or around March 17, 2026. [25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38] Subsequently, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the death of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, stating he was killed along with Larijani and other senior figures. [4, 8, 13, 15]
Reports suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the military to freely target senior Iranian officials without seeking additional approvals, a directive that underscores the intensity of the Israeli campaign. [9, 16] The killings are part of a broader strategy by Israel to target Iran's leadership, with the aim of destabilizing the regime and potentially facilitating regime change. [32, 38]
China's response has been consistent with its foreign policy principles, emphasizing the violation of Iran's sovereignty and security and urging an immediate cessation of military operations and de-escalation of the tense situation. [3, 7, 12, 17, 24] Beijing has repeatedly called for restraint and a peaceful resolution, while also offering humanitarian assistance to Iran and other affected countries. [6]
The escalating conflict has significant geopolitical ramifications, disrupting regional stability and impacting global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil transport, has been effectively paralyzed, leading to concerns about supply chain disruptions and rising energy prices. [18, 23, 30] While China maintains diplomatic ties with Iran and is its largest oil customer, it has avoided direct military involvement, prioritizing its own economic interests and regional stability. [22, 26, 30, 35] The situation highlights the complex interplay of regional rivalries, global power dynamics, and the precarious state of international security amidst ongoing hostilities. The news is of high importance due to its implications for international relations, regional security, and global economic stability.
Credible news sources like Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera, The Jerusalem Post, The Guardian, Xinhua, and statements from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs corroborate these developments, indicating a verified and significant geopolitical event. The original article's headline, while capturing the essence of China's reaction, could be seen as slightly sensationalized by focusing on a "kill order" rather than the broader condemnation of killings and use of force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ali Larijani and why is his death significant?
Ali Larijani was the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a highly influential figure within the Iranian regime. His assassination is considered significant due to his senior position, his role in national security coordination, and his status as one of the most prominent Iranian officials killed following the earlier reported assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He was seen as a key coordinator straddling diplomacy, intelligence, and military operations.
What is China's official stance on the recent Israeli strikes and killings in Iran?
China has strongly condemned the killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets, calling them "unacceptable." Beijing reiterates its opposition to the use of force in international relations and urges for an immediate cessation of military operations and de-escalation of the conflict. China has also provided humanitarian assistance to Iran.
What is the broader context of the conflict between Iran and Israel?
The recent events are part of an escalating conflict that intensified in late February 2026 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. This has led to retaliatory attacks by Iran, impacting regional stability, global energy markets, and international relations, with major powers like the US and China playing significant roles.
Have other high-ranking Iranian officials been targeted recently?
Yes, in addition to Ali Larijani, Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was also confirmed killed. Earlier in the conflict, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly assassinated, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary force, was also killed in Israeli strikes.
What are the potential implications of these events for regional and global stability?
These events have heightened regional tensions, disrupted vital shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz, and led to increased energy prices. The involvement of major global powers like the US and China, alongside the direct conflict between Iran and Israel, raises concerns about broader geopolitical instability and potential further escalation.
