BEIJING: China on Thursday voiced firm opposition to the use of force in international disputes, following U.S. President Donald Trump's warning that military action against Iran remains on the table amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue instead of confrontation. “China has always opposed the use of force in international relations,” he said. “We believe that military actions will only escalate tensions and lead to further instability in the region.”
The statement came in response to Trump’s remarks earlier this week, in which he said the United States may join Israel in targeting Iranian nuclear facilities if Tehran refuses to curb its nuclear ambitions. The warning has heightened fears of a broader conflict in the region.
Beijing called for renewed diplomatic efforts and reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution to the Iran nuclear issue. “We encourage all sides to return to the negotiating table and resolve their differences through political and diplomatic means,” Lin added.
China is a key signatory to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal from which the United States withdrew under Trump’s previous term. Beijing has repeatedly advocated for the restoration of the agreement and opposes unilateral sanctions or military threats.
The Chinese government’s latest statement reflects its broader foreign policy stance that prioritizes non-intervention, multilateralism, and opposition to regime change through external pressure.
As tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. continue to rise, China has expressed concern over the impact such conflicts could have on regional security, global energy markets, and economic stability.
