Overview
On 19 March 2026, China publicly denounced the killing of Iran’s national security chief Ali Larijani by an Israeli air strike. Beijing labelled the act “unacceptable” and urged all parties to halt hostilities. The statement reflects China’s broader diplomatic push in West Asia, where it has been mediating between Iran, Israel and Gulf states.
Key Developments
- China’s Foreign Ministry called the killing “unacceptable” and urged an immediate cease‑fire.
- Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized opposition to the use of force and the need to protect civilian targets.
- Special envoy Zhai Jun toured Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt, stressing that non‑military targets and shipping lanes must be safeguarded.
- Beijing announced it will provide humanitarian assistance to Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.
Important Facts
The death of Ali Larijani is the most senior Iranian loss since the war began on 28 February 2026. The conflict has already seen senior Iranian and Israeli figures killed in a series of U.S. and Israeli strikes. China’s diplomatic outreach, led by Zhai Jun, is part of an “intensive diplomatic effort” t