China called for an immediate ceasefire following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, with Beijing's Foreign Ministry expressing deep concern over the military strikes. The Chinese government urged an end to operations to prevent further escalation in the oil-rich Middle East region.

Beijing's response comes as tensions threaten to disrupt global energy markets. About a third of China's crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, where some tankers avoided the waterway after Saturday's bombing. While China accounts for roughly a third of Iranian trade, Tehran represents less than 1% of China's global commerce.

Despite strengthening diplomatic ties with Tehran, including support for Iran's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS bloc, China's economic interests in the broader Gulf region far outweigh its relationship with Iran. Beijing signed a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement with Tehran in 2021 that included $400 billion in investment pledges, though implementation has been weak.