AFP, Beijing: China's foreign ministry said on Sunday it "strongly condemns" US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, adding that they "escalate tensions in the Middle East".
"China calls on all parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible," the ministry said in a statement.
In another statement on Saturday, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said the strikes targeted facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The spokesperson described the attacks as a breach of the UN Charter and the “purposes and principles of international law."
“The actions of the U.S. seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East,” the spokesperson said.
Beijing urged all parties involved in the conflict, “Israel in particular”, to agree to an immediate ceasefire, ensure the safety of civilians, and pursue dialogue and negotiation.
China reiterated its support for a diplomatic resolution and said it was prepared to work with the international community to “pool efforts together and uphold justice” in pursuit of peace and stability in the region.
