ISTANBUL

China on Monday called for a ceasefire, expressing “deep concern” over the regional spillover of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which then retaliated by targeting US assets in the Gulf region.

“The US and Israel carried out military strikes against Iran without authorization from the UN Security Council, which violates the international law,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.

“China is deeply concerned about the spillover of the conflict affecting neighboring countries. China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf countries should also be fully respected,” said Mao.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, among others, by US-Israeli strikes on Saturday.

“We urge all parties to cease military actions and prevent further escalation of the conflict,” Mao said, according to Beijing-based daily Global Times.

On whether Beijing was notified by Washington before it launched joint strikes on Iran, Mao said: “China was not notified in advance regarding the US military action.”

The spokeswoman also rejected claims that Beijing and Tehran “are close to reaching an agreement" on the purchase of CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles.

“The relevant reports are not true. As a responsible major country, China has always fulfilled its international obligations,” said Mao, adding China “opposes malicious association and hype, and hopes relevant parties will do more to help ease tensions.”

Due to the ongoing conflict, the official said more than 3,000 Chinese citizens have been evacuated from Iran.