Statements from PRC Ambassador to UN and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on US attack on Iran, PRC MoFA spokesperson's comments on Iran in today's briefing

I’m about to go on a call so don’t have time for any analysis of what’s happening. In the meantime, here are PRC official responses to the US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Remarks on Iran by Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Emergency Meeting - PRC Permanent Mission to the UN. This was from Sunday, June 22.

President,

I thank you for convening this emergency meeting. I also thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his statement and Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča and Director General Rafael Grossi for their briefings.

Yesterday, the United States conducted attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA. The actions of the United States seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, as well as Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. They have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and dealt a heavy blow to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. The international community must uphold justice and make concrete efforts to cool down the situation and restore peace and stability. In this connection, I wish to put forward four appeals.

First, we call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the hostilities. In the context of the abrupt escalation of tensions in the Middle East, China is deeply concerned about the risk of the situation getting out of control. The parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, should reach an immediate ceasefire to prevent a spiraling escalation and to resolutely avoid the spillover of the war. The parties concerned should abide by international law, curb the impulse to use force, and avoid exacerbating conflicts and adding fuel to the fire.

Second, we call for effective protection of civilians. The ultimate victims of all conflicts are the innocent people. China is deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict. Civilians and the civilian facilities must not become targets of military operations, and the bottom line of international humanitarian law must not be breached. Parties to the conflict should place the interest and well-being of the people of the countries in the region above everything else, and make every effort to avoid harm to innocent civilians and refrain from attacking civilian facilities.

Third, we call for commitment to dialogue and negotiation. Peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved by the use of force. Dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental way out. At present, diplomatic means to address the Iranian nuclear issue have not been exhausted, and there is still hope for a peaceful solution. Parties should stay firmly committed to the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and work to bring it back onto the track of a political solution through dialogue and negotiation, with a view to reaching an agreement acceptable to all parties.

Fourth, we call for swift actions by the Security Council. The Security Council shoulders the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It cannot stand idly by in the face of a major crisis. Russia, China, and Pakistan have proposed a draft resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, respect for international law, and engagement in dialogue and negotiation. We hope that Council members can demonstrate their strong sense of responsibility by jointly supporting the draft resolution, to enable the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

China stands ready to work with the international community to foster synergy, uphold justice, and make unremitting efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

Thank you, President.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on the U.S. Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities - PRC MoFA. This was from Sunday, June 22.

Q: U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. carried out strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran—Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. What’s China’s comment on this?

A: China strongly condemns the U.S. attacks on Iran and bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA. The actions of the U.S. seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East. China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation. China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun’s Regular Press Conference on June 23, 2025 - PRC MoFA.

China News Service: It’s reported Russia, China and Pakistan have proposed a draft resolution on the situation in Iran to the UN Security Council. Can you brief us on that?

Guo Jiakun: The U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East. The Security Council cannot stand idly by. China, Russia and Pakistan proposed a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, respect for international law, and engagement in dialogue and negotiation. Together we sent out the message of justice, which reflected the strong call from the international community. We hope that Council members can jointly support the draft resolution and enable the Security Council to play its due role for the maintenance of international peace and security. 

Anadolu Agency: Yesterday, you condemned the U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The world actually witnessed unilateral attack on a sovereign country yesterday and a dangerous precedent of attacking nuclear facilities. What do you make all of this? What is China’s comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China has made its position clear. Attacking nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA seriously violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law. China urges parties to the conflict to prevent the situation from spiraling up, make sure the fighting will not spill over, and return to the track of political settlement. China stands ready to enhance communication and coordination with various parties to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and play a constructive role for restoring peace in the Middle East.

Beijing Youth Daily: We noted that the temporary flight evacuating Chinese nationals from Iran has arrived in China from Turkmenistan recently. Can you share with us the progress in China’s evacuation work from Iran and Israel?

Guo Jiakun: Acting on the decisions and plans of the Party Central Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China’s diplomatic and consular missions in Iran and other countries, the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Administration worked together for the evacuation of 3,125 Chinese nationals from Iran to safety. Among them, there are a 10-month-old baby, a 70-year-old senior, and citizens from Hong Kong and Taiwan. As the Chinese nationals who are willing to leave Iran have all been safely evacuated, the large-scale and well-ordered evacuation of Chinese personnel in Iran has been completed by the Chinese government. At the same time, China’s Embassy in Israel helped and organized the evacuation of over 500 Chinese nationals from Israel to safety, and helped some nationals from the UK, India and Poland safely evacuate. 

During the evacuation, countries, including Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Türkiye, Iraq, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Egypt and Jordan, offered China valuable support. We express sincere appreciation for that.

Still, some Chinese nationals choose to stay in Iran and Israel. Our Ministry reminds them to stay safe. Our colleagues in Chinese diplomatic and consular missions in Iran and Israel have stayed on their post, and will continue to do everything possible to offer Chinese nationals there assistance.  

China-Arab TV: Reports say that the Iranian parliament agreed to close the Strait of Hormuz, but the final decision rests with the country’s Supreme National Security Council. What is China’s comment on this? Has the Chinese side spoken with Iran over the phone?

Guo Jiakun: The Persian Gulf and nearby waters are important route for international trade in goods and energy. Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community. China calls on the international community to step up effort to promote deescalation of the conflict, and prevent the regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic growth.

AFP: Just a brief follow-up to the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Fox News over the weekend that he also encourages China to help stop Iran from shutting down the Strait. Has China raised or does China plan to raise the issue with Iran? Can the Foreign Ministry share more broadly how China could play a role in mediation or otherwise?

Guo Jiakun: I just answered a question on the Strait of Hormuz.

On the communication between China and Iran, let me stress that our two sides are in communication on the ongoing situation. Recently, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi has spoken to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the phone. China stands ready to step up communication with Iran and other relevant parties to continue playing a constructive role for a deescalation.

Anadolu Agency: Almost half of China’s oil imports are passing through the Hormuz Strait. Do you have any alternative plans if in case of a disruption from the conflict there? Second, you mentioned about a phone call between Mr. Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart. Was it after the U.S. attacks?

Guo Jiakun: I have answered the question about the Strait of Hormuz just now.

On the communication between China and Iran, after Israel attacked Iran, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

China-Arab TV: It was reported that the Iranian Foreign Minister has arrived in Moscow for a series of talks and he will meet with Russian President Putin on June 23. Will the Iranian Foreign Minister come to China? Can you share relevant information?

Guo Jiakun: I have answered the question about the communication between China and Iran. China stands ready to continue to maintain communication with Iran and play a constructive role for promoting deescalation of the situation.