Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

China is shocked by such a claim, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday, when asked to comment on the killing of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council in Israeli strikes, and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have authorized the IDF to eliminate any senior Iranian official without the need for additional approval. "We consistently oppose the use of force in international relations. The killing of Iranian state leaders and attacks on civilian targets are all the more unacceptable," Lin added.

Lin said that at present, war is raging in the Middle East and tensions are escalating and spilling over. An early ceasefire and cessation of hostilities are the common aspiration of the international community.

China urges the parties concerned to immediately cease military actions and prevent the regional situation from spiraling out of control, Lin said.

Global Times