China, Russia denounce Israeli strikes on Iran, urge immediate ceasefire

The Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation, during which both leaders strongly condemned Israel’s recent military attacks on Iran and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.

According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, President Xi expressed China’s deep concern over the deteriorating regional situation and emphasized the need for de-escalation. He said China is willing to maintain communication and coordination with all relevant parties to help restore peace and stability in the region.

“Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable paths to resolving complex disputes,” Xi said, stressing the importance of international efforts to cool down tensions. He accentuated that all parties, especially Israel, must immediately halt hostilities and abide strictly by international law.

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Xi further stated that the protection of civilians must remain a top priority amid the Israel-Iran escalation. “There is an urgent need for ceasefire, as the use of force is not a legitimate solution to international conflicts,” he added.

The President Putin, echoing Xi’s sentiments, praised China’s constructive stance and reaffirmed Russia’s support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis between Israel and Iran.

A Kremlin aide told reporters that President Putin and President Xi agreed that military measures cannot resolve concerns related to Iran’s nuclear program. Instead, both leaders advocated for diplomatic engagement as the only viable path forward.