In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran, labeling them violations of international law. The announcement came during Putin's visit to Beijing, where both leaders released a joint statement emphasizing the urgent need to end hostilities and promote dialogue.
The statement highlighted that the U.S.-Israeli attacks seriously undermine stability in the Middle East and breach fundamental norms of international relations. Both China and Russia urged the conflicting parties to return promptly to negotiations to prevent the conflict from spreading and called on the global community to adopt an objective stance facilitating de-escalation efforts.
Beyond condemning the strikes, Xi and Putin also denounced actions they described as "treacherous," including targeted killings of sovereign leaders, covert military operations disguised as negotiations, political destabilization, and attempts to provoke regime change. They criticized the abduction of national leaders for trial and called for respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This collaborative stance reflects the strengthening ties between Moscow and Beijing, who have both supported Tehran amid increasing Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Since the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, military cooperation between Russia and Iran has intensified, with Iranian drones playing a key role in Russia’s operations. China maintains significant economic links with Iran, reportedly importing a vast majority of Tehran’s crude oil.
China has taken an active diplomatic role, coordinating with Pakistan—an emerging mediator between Washington and Tehran—in attempts to broker peace, although efforts so far have not ended the conflict that escalated with U.S.-Israeli strikes earlier this year.
The joint communiqué also reaffirmed mutual support for each country’s sovereignty and territorial claims. Russia reiterated its commitment to the One China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an integral part of China and acknowledging the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China. In turn, China voiced support for Russia’s security initiatives in response to international challenges.