Chinese defense officials condemn American military action while state media accuse Washington and Jerusalem of destabilizing the region.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
China’s Defense Ministry on Saturday condemned the United States as a “war addict” following American strikes on Iran, while other Chinese government bodies called for an immediate halt to hostilities in the Middle East.
During a press conference in Beijing, a Defense Ministry spokesman criticized Washington’s military record, remarks that were amplified through government-linked social media accounts, including a widely circulated post here.
“The U.S. is a war addict. Throughout its over 240-year history, it has been at war for all but 16 years,” the spokesman said.
“The U.S. has 800 overseas military bases in over 80 countries and regions. The U.S. is the main cause of international disorder, global turbulence, and regional instability,” he added.
State-controlled media echoed the criticism. In an editorial, China Daily argued that U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran “ignore international law” and reflect “a pattern of increasing belligerence.”
“The unilateral military adventurism of the US and Israel do not enhance security; they breed chaos, inviting a cycle of retaliation that could engulf the entire region,” the publication wrote.
The commentary further suggested that domestic political considerations may have influenced the decision-making in Washington and Jerusalem, asserting that “external confrontation can be used to consolidate internal support.”
China’s Foreign Ministry adopted a more restrained tone, calling for an “immediate halt to military operations” and urging renewed diplomatic engagement.
The ministry stated that China supports “Iran’s national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” and said the United States should “resume dialogue and negotiation” in order to “maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Chinese official statements did not directly address Iran’s subsequent missile launches targeting multiple Sunni Arab nations in the Gulf. Beijing has not publicly criticized Iran’s retaliatory actions as of the time of publication.
Although China is not formally allied with Iran, the two nations have expanded economic and diplomatic ties in recent years, particularly in the energy sector. A significant portion of China’s oil imports transits the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway Iran has repeatedly threatened to close during periods of heightened tensions with Western nations.
Despite a 25-year cooperation agreement signed in 2021 that reportedly included $400 billion in planned Chinese investments, implementation has lagged, according to an analysis by Bloomberg News here. The report noted that China’s broader economic interests in Gulf states now exceed its direct economic engagement with Iran.
Meanwhile, maritime traffic in the region showed signs of disruption. Dozens of oil tankers reportedly altered course away from the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning, with some vessels seeking shelter in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates or leaving the area entirely.
As tensions persist, Beijing’s response reflects a dual message: sharp criticism from defense officials alongside diplomatic calls for de-escalation from the Foreign Ministry.
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