China sharply criticized continuing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling the strikes violations of international law.
Mao Ning (毛寧), the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reporters at the March 31 briefing that armed strikes against peaceful nuclear sites under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards violate the UN Charter, international law and IAEA statutes. He said such attacks would seriously undermine the authority of the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT), weaken the global nonproliferation regime and could have grave consequences for regional peace, security and stability.
He said China strongly opposes the strikes and called for the Iranian nuclear issue to be resolved through political and diplomatic channels. He urged all parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalation. China also warned of the negative effects of U.S. and Israeli military action and reiterated its call for dialogue and negotiation to address the issue.
Mao emphasized that world cultural heritage is a priceless asset for humanity. He said China deeply regrets damage to Iran’s cultural properties and historic sites and urged the parties to the fighting—particularly the United States and Israel—to halt military operations immediately and completely. He expressed concern that ongoing airstrikes are harming Iran’s cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, amid continued U.S. and Israeli strikes, attacks on the 27th (local time) reportedly struck the Bushehr nuclear power plant and the Hondab heavy‑water complex, part of an experimental heavy‑water reactor at the Arak site, raising fears of a radioactive release. Israeli strikes have also reportedly damaged cultural landmarks in central Iran’s Isfahan, including the Ali Qapu Palace, the Chehel Sotoun palace and gardens, and the Jameh Mosque.
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He said China strongly opposes the strikes and called for the Iranian nuclear issue to be resolved through political and diplomatic channels. He urged all parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalation. China also warned of the negative effects of U.S. and Israeli military action and reiterated its call for dialogue and negotiation to address the issue.
Mao emphasized that world cultural heritage is a priceless asset for humanity. He said China deeply regrets damage to Iran’s cultural properties and historic sites and urged the parties to the fighting—particularly the United States and Israel—to halt military operations immediately and completely. He expressed concern that ongoing airstrikes are harming Iran’s cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, amid continued U.S. and Israeli strikes, attacks on the 27th (local time) reportedly struck the Bushehr nuclear power plant and the Hondab heavy‑water complex, part of an experimental heavy‑water reactor at the Arak site, raising fears of a radioactive release. Israeli strikes have also reportedly damaged cultural landmarks in central Iran’s Isfahan, including the Ali Qapu Palace, the Chehel Sotoun palace and gardens, and the Jameh Mosque.
