Beijing confirms Chinese national killed in Iran, urges restraint

Beijing confirms Chinese national killed in Iran, urges restraint
A Chinese national flag flies at the Bund in Shanghai, China, 28 February, 2026
Reuters

China expressed serious concern over the escalating conflict in Iran, confirming that one Chinese national was killed in Tehran. Beijing called for an immediate halt to military operations and a return to diplomatic talks, while other Asian countries have also voiced their positions on the crisis.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a regular press briefing on Monday (2 March) that more than 3,000 others have already been evacuated from Iran. Beijing reiterated its opposition to the use of force in international relations, describing the U.S. and Israeli strikes as violations of international law.

The ministry called for all parties to halt military operations, prevent spillover, and respect the security and territorial integrity of regional countries.

China signalled willingness to work with the international community to resolve the crisis through talks.

Malaysia's stance

In Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, on X, describing it as placing the Middle East “on the edge of grave and sustained instability” and warning that targeting a head of state sets a dangerous precedent.

He urged Iranian authorities to act with restraint and called on all parties to step back from further escalation.

Anwar also stressed the welfare of Malaysians in Iran, the Gulf States, and the wider Middle East, pledging that government missions have full resources to assist citizens.

He highlighted the economic implications of the conflict, including risks to regional airspace and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and called for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and a return to serious dialogue.

PM Anwar stressed that the crisis “cannot be resolved by force” but requires diplomacy and political will.

North Korea responds

North Korea’s foreign ministry labelled the United States' and Israeli actions “illegal aggression” and a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, calling for regional states to act to restore peace and stability.

In South Asia, protests by Shia Muslim groups in India condemned Khamenei’s killing, highlighting regional public concern.

The statements follow renewed military operations in Tehran, with Israel launching a new wave of air strikes on Sunday and Iran retaliating with missile barrages, intensifying uncertainty for the region and global markets.

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