Daijiworld Media Network - Beijing

Beijing, Mar 2: China on Monday issued its first reaction to the intensifying conflict between the United States and Iran, calling for urgent measures to prevent the fighting from spilling over across the region.

In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said efforts must be made to “prevent spillover of fighting,” as tensions continue to mount following US and Israel strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks across parts of the Middle East.

The ministry condemned the use of force in international relations and urged all parties to immediately halt military operations. It also stated that Beijing had not been informed in advance about the US military actions.

Responding to reports alleging that Iran was acquiring missiles from China, the ministry dismissed the claims as “malicious speculation” and termed them false.

China confirmed that one of its nationals has been killed in the ongoing conflict and reiterated its advisory urging citizens in the region to evacuate at the earliest. According to official figures, more than 3,000 Chinese nationals have so far left Iran amid the escalating crisis.