Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), speaks during a UN Security Council meeting in New York on February 28, 2026. Photo: VCG

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the situation in Iran on Saturday local time, during which China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong stated that the US and Israel had brazenly launched military strikes against targets inside Iran, causing a sudden escalation of regional tensions. China expressed deep concern over this. 

China has always maintained that all parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and opposes and condemns the use or threat of force in international relations, Fu noted. He stressed that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iran and other regional countries must be respected.

China was deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict. At all times, the red line of protecting civilians in armed conflicts must not be crossed, and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable. He called on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, effectively protect the safety of civilians, and avoid attacks on civilian facilities.

Fu noted that the use of force is not the right way to resolve international disputes, but will only exacerbate hatred and contradictions. An escalation and spillover of the situation in the Middle East is not in the interests of any party. Resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation is the only way out. China calls for an immediate end to military actions to prevent a cycle of escalation.

Fu said it was shocking that the military strikes came at a time when diplomatic talks between the US and Iran were under way. Relevant parties should demonstrate political sincerity, resume dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, and return to the right track of political settlement.

China stands ready to work with the international community to build consensus for peace efforts and promote an early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East, Fu stressed.

Global Times