Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning affirmed on Friday that China supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity, as well as protecting its legitimate rights and interests.

Mao stressed that China opposes violations of international law by the United States and Israel through military strikes against Iran, and reiterated Beijing’s call for resolving issues through political and diplomatic means.

She also called for an immediate halt to military operations, warning against the spread of the conflict and urging all sides to avoid further escalation in the region.

The statement comes amid ongoing military escalation, following the act of aggression by the United States and the Israeli enemy entity against Iran, targeting several provinces. The attacks led to the martyrdom of the Leader of the Revolution and the Republic, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, as well as senior leaders in the armed forces, in addition to hundreds of civilians killed and injured.

Iran subsequently responded to the aggression by launching strikes against the Israeli entity as well as key U.S. interests and military bases in the region.