China Refuses to Explain Other Forms of Support Other than Politics for Iran

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning. / ANTARA / Desca Lidya Natalia.

JAKARTA - The Chinese Foreign Ministry is reluctant to explain further about the other forms of support provided by the country to Iran after the attacks by the United States and Israel.

"China opposes the US and Israeli military attacks on Iran that violate international law. We support Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity as well as in upholding its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference in Beijing, Friday, March 6. reported by ANTARA.

Mao Ning answered a reporter's question about Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's statement that Russia and China continue to support Iran politically amid US and Israeli military operations in the Middle East.

However, Mao Ning did not explain what support other than politics was given to Iran.

"China has always advocated resolving problems through political and diplomatic means. We call for an immediate cessation of military action to prevent the conflict from spreading and expanding and to avoid further escalation of the situation," added Mao Ning.

Regarding the current tensions in the Middle East, Mao Ning also emphasized that the parties involved need to maintain the security and stability of the region, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in order to serve the common interests of the international community.

"The Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters are an important international trade route for goods and energy. China urges the parties concerned to immediately stop military operations, avoid further escalation and prevent regional turmoil that could cause greater damage to global economic growth," said Mao Ning.

He also announced that the Chinese government had evaluated its citizens who were trapped in a number of countries in the Middle East due to travel disruptions.

"With the joint efforts of various parties, positive progress has been made. On the evening of March 4, nearly 300 Chinese citizens arrived safely in Guangzhou from Dubai via international flights. Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines have gradually resumed round-trip flights to countries including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia starting March 5," explained Mao Ning.

He also reminded Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to countries and regions affected by military conflicts because the situation in the Middle East remains complex with high uncertainty.

US President Donald Trump himself said he had "no time limit" on how long the war with Iran would last in an interview with the media in the US.

Earlier this week, Trump said he expected the US-Israeli attack on Iran to last four to five weeks. The operation has been underway since February 28, 2026, which led to the death of Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and at least 926 people among civilians.

Trump also outlined several goals of the conflict, including preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles, and putting "a rational and sane person" in charge of Iran, the report said.

He stressed that his party did not want a "candidate leader" who would rebuild Iran within 10 years.

Iran itself has responded to the US and Israeli attacks by launching drones and missiles targeting Israel and the Gulf countries where US military assets are located.