China Slams US Strike on Iran: Calls for Dialogue, Warns of Middle East Escalation

China’s Outspoken Condemnation: What Happened?

Did you know that China has taken a rare, strong stance against the recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities? On June 22, 2025, following coordinated US and Israeli attacks that targeted Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites, China’s ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, delivered a scathing rebuke at an emergency Security Council meeting. He called the strikes a blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law, warning that such actions threaten to push the Middle East into uncontrollable chaos. China’s Foreign Ministry echoed this, emphasizing that the US move undermines global nuclear non-proliferation and destabilizes the entire region.
China’s condemnation also included a pointed call for all parties, especially Israel, to immediately cease hostilities and prioritize civilian safety. This marks one of Beijing’s most direct criticisms of US military action in recent years.

UN Security Council Drama: China, Russia, and Pakistan Push for Ceasefire

At the heart of the global diplomatic response, China, alongside Russia and Pakistan, introduced a draft resolution at the UN Security Council demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. Beijing’s ambassador warned that the situation could spiral out of control if restraint isn’t exercised. The draft resolution also calls for the protection of civilians and urges all sides to return to dialogue and negotiation. China’s message: the world cannot stand by while the Middle East edges closer to a wider war.
This move reflects China’s ambition to be seen as a responsible global power, capable of mediating in international crises and defending the principles of sovereignty and multilateralism.

Beijing’s Strategic Interests: Why Is China So Concerned?

Why is China so vocal about this crisis? The answer lies in its deep economic and strategic ties to both Iran and the broader Middle East. China relies on Iran for a significant portion of its energy imports and has invested billions through its Belt and Road Initiative. An all-out war would threaten these interests, disrupt global oil supplies, and endanger Chinese nationals and investments across the region.
At the same time, China’s relationship with Israel is economically significant but politically fragile. The current conflict puts Beijing’s balancing act under severe strain, forcing it to tilt more openly toward Iran’s sovereignty claims while still avoiding direct confrontation with the US or Israel.

Chinese Public and Media Reaction: Widespread Support for Government’s Stance

On Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat, netizens have overwhelmingly supported the government’s condemnation of the US strikes. Many users express concern about the risk of a broader war and criticize what they see as American double standards in international affairs. State-run outlets such as Global Times and CGTN have described the US action as a dangerous turning point, warning that history shows military interventions in the Middle East often lead to prolonged chaos.
Some Chinese bloggers and commentators have also drawn parallels to past US interventions, arguing that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable paths to lasting peace.

How Korean Communities Are Reacting: Insights from Naver and Tistory

Korean online communities and blogs have been buzzing with debate over China’s response. On Naver and Tistory, bloggers analyze Beijing’s motives, noting that China’s strong rhetoric is both a signal to the US and a reassurance to its partners in the Global South. Some posts highlight the risk to Korea’s own energy security if the conflict escalates, while others question whether China’s call for peace is genuine or simply a strategic move to expand its influence.
Popular comments on Naver and Daum reflect a mix of skepticism and support: some users praise China for standing up to the US, while others doubt Beijing’s ability to act as a true mediator given its close ties to Iran.

International Community’s Response: Calls for Restraint and Diplomacy

The US airstrikes have triggered urgent reactions worldwide. The United Nations Secretary-General expressed grave alarm, warning of catastrophic consequences if the conflict worsens. European leaders, while condemning Iran’s nuclear ambitions, have also urged restraint and a return to negotiations. Russia and several Global South countries have rallied behind China’s call for a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have described the US operation as barbaric, vowing to continue their nuclear program and defend their sovereignty. This complex web of alliances and rivalries underscores just how high the stakes are for the entire region—and for global security.

Cultural and Historical Context: Why China’s Position Resonates

To truly understand China’s reaction, it helps to know the cultural and historical backdrop. China has long championed the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs—a stance rooted in its own experiences with foreign intervention. In the Middle East, Beijing seeks to project itself as a neutral, stabilizing force, distinct from Western military interventions.
This approach appeals to many countries in the Global South, who view China as a counterweight to US dominance. However, China’s balancing act is becoming harder as its interests in the region grow and as conflicts become more complex and interconnected.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead for Diplomacy

So, what happens now? China is pushing for renewed diplomatic efforts, insisting that the Iran nuclear issue can still be resolved through dialogue. Beijing has offered to work with the international community to restore peace and stability, but its ability to act as a credible mediator is under scrutiny. With tensions still running high, the world will be watching to see if China’s calls for restraint and negotiation can make a real difference—or if the region will slide further into conflict.
For global observers, this episode is a vivid reminder of how interconnected today’s crises are, and how the actions of one power can reverberate across continents. Stay tuned—this story is far from over.