China has intensively criticized the United States for its perceived interference in the Iran-Israel conflict, blaming Washington for escalating tensions.

The Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, at a Friday press briefing, said, “The U.S. is escalating tensions by supporting Israel’s aggression, creating no winners.” Guo reaffirmed China’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities as acts that violate Iran’s sovereignty.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 19, described President Donald Trump’s demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as a “dangerous provocation,” calling for all parties to participate in active dialogue.

China is evacuating more than 1,000 citizens from Israel and Iran, citing deteriorating security in embassy notices on WeChat. As per reports, 1600 citizens have been evacuated from Iran, with several hundred more from Israel, amid ongoing efforts.

On June 20, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone conversation with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, proposed a Beijing-facilitated ceasefire, indicating China’s bid for a diplomatic role. Both sides urged for a ceasefire and the need to avoid nuclear targets.

Alarms were raised in Beijing following the U.S. military deployments, such as the USS Nimitz carrier, which set the pretexts for the preparation of direct intervention alongside Trump’s two-week notice.

China has pledged to defend its regional interests, particularly oil supplies, while maintaining neutrality.