China warned that efforts to force regime change in Iran would lack popular support and urged an immediate stop to military operations across the Middle East to avoid wider escalation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and a swift return to negotiations. A US intelligence assessment reported by The Washington Post judged a large-scale offensive unlikely to topple Iran’s military and clerical leadership. Beijing also condemned regional violence and pledged to work with countries in the region to restore stability.
China Warns Against Regime-Change Plots In Iran, Urges Immediate Halt To Middle East Fighting
China's foreign minister urges 'all sides' of the war to return to the negotiating table 'as quickly as possible' [File: Greg Baker/Pool via Reuters]
China has urged against external attempts to force political change in Iran amid ongoing US-Israeli operations in the region, warning such efforts would lack popular backing and risk further escalation.
“Plotting a ‘colour’ revolution or seeking government change will find no popular support,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a news conference on the sidelines of a major Beijing gathering, according to state-run Xinhua.
Wang called for the sovereignty of Iran and all nations to be respected and demanded an “immediate stop to military operations” across the Middle East to prevent the conflict from spilling over into neighbouring countries. He urged all parties to return to the negotiating table and resolve differences through dialogue.
“This is a war that should not have happened, and it is a war that does no one any good. Force provides no solution, and armed conflict will only increase hatred and breed new crises.”
Wang emphasised that the people of the Middle East should determine the region’s future independently and warned against foreign interference. “A strong fist does not mean strong reason. The world cannot return to the law of the jungle,” he added.
He said China stands ready to work with regional states to help restore order, calm and peace. Wang also reiterated that Beijing’s relationship with Russia remains “steadfast and unshakeable.”
Separately, a classified US National Intelligence Council assessment — reported by The Washington Post and attributed to three sources familiar with the document — concluded that even a large-scale US military campaign would be unlikely to topple Iran’s combined military and clerical power structure. That finding undercuts claims that Iran’s leadership could be quickly removed and replaced.
Chinese officials also condemned violence and attacks in the region and called for rapid de-escalation to protect civilians and preserve regional stability.
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