UPDATE - China ‘deeply concerned’ over spillover of US-Israel-Iran conflict, urges ceasefire

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ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Monday called for a ceasefire, expressing “deep concern” over the regional spillover of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which then retaliated by targeting US assets in the Gulf region.

“The US and Israel carried out military strikes against Iran without authorization from the UN Security Council, which violates international law,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.

“China is deeply concerned about the spillover of the conflict affecting neighboring countries. China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf countries should also be fully respected,” said Mao.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, among others, by US-Israeli strikes on Saturday.

“We urge all parties to cease military actions and prevent further escalation of the conflict,” Mao said.

Lauding the joint statement by Gulf nations that reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, Mao said China "supports regional countries in valuing good-neighborliness, enhancing communication and coordination, and jointly working for peace and stability in the region," according to the transcript of her news conference.

Mao, however, stressed opposition to the use of force in international relations or infringement on other countries’ sovereignty and security.

- Strait of Hormuz 'important international trade route'

When asked by Anadolu Correspondent about reports of blocking the transition of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf because of the conflict. Mao said the waterway and its adjacent waters "are an important international trade route for goods and energy."

"To keep the region secure and stable serves the common interests of the international community," said Mao.

"The priority now is to immediately stop military operations and prevent the spread and spillover of the conflict," she said, adding one Chinese national was killed in Tehran during the ongoing conflict.

At least four other people -- two from Bangladesh and one each from Nepal and Pakistan -- have been killed in the United Arab Emirates during the ongoing airstrikes.

After being attacked by the US and Israel, Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting US-linked sites in Gulf countries, resulting in several deaths. Four US service members have been killed, and four others seriously wounded.

According to the Iranian Red Crescent, the death toll from the US and Israeli airstrikes since Saturday has climbed to 555.

On whether Beijing was notified by Washington before it launched joint strikes on Iran, ministry spokeswoman Mao said: “China was not notified in advance regarding the US military action.”

The spokeswoman also rejected claims that Beijing and Tehran “are close to reaching an agreement" on the purchase of CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles.

“The relevant reports are not true. As a responsible major country, China has always fulfilled its international obligations,” said Mao, adding China “opposes malicious association and hype, and hopes relevant parties will do more to help ease tensions.”

Due to the ongoing conflict, the official said more than 3,000 Chinese citizens have been evacuated from Iran.