Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on March 2, 2026

Xinhua News Agency: Since U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on February 28, U.S. military targets in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan have been under attack, which is condemned by relevant countries. What is China's comment?

Mao Ning: The U.S.-Israeli strikes have no UN Security Council authorization and violate international law. China is deeply concerned over the regional spillover. China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should likewise be fully respected. We urge parties to stop the military operations and prevent further spread of the conflict. China commends the statement by the 50th Extraordinary Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council that reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the sole path to overcome the current crisis and preserve regional security. In light of the complex and delicate situation, China supports regional countries in valuing good-neighborliness, enhancing communication and coordination and jointly working for peace and stability in the region.

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting: On the strikes against Iran by the U.S. and Israel, China has taken a very strong position. I wanna ask China as a major global power with a veto power in the UN Security Council and a strategic partner of Iran, how can China play a role in preventing the U.S. from carrying out unilateral actions, such as assassinating leaders of sovereign countries?

Mao Ning: China is deeply concerned over the current situation. China firmly opposes the use of force in international relations or infringement on other countries' sovereignty and security. The priority now is to immediately stop military operations and prevent the spread and spillover of the conflict. China stands ready to work with the international community to call for peace and stop the conflict, resolve issues through dialogue and negotiations, and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large.

Anadolu Agency: It's been reported that Iranian Revolutionary Guard is blocking transition of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz in Persian Gulf because of the conflict. One-fifth of the world's oil and LNG supplies as well as a large amount of China's oil imports go across this Strait before reaching to destinations. How do you think this de facto blockade of the Strait might affect China's imports and energy security in general?

Mao Ning: The Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are an important international trade route for goods and energy. To keep the region secure and stable serves the common interests of the international community. China urges relevant parties to immediately stop military operations, avoid further escalation of the tense situation and prevent regional turmoil from causing greater damage to global economic growth. 

CCTV: Amid the severe security situation in Iran, Chinese embassies and consulates in relevant countries have issued security alerts and evacuation advisories. What other measures will China take to further protect Chinese citizens in Iran?

Mao Ning: Since the security situation in Iran turned tense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese diplomatic missions in Iran have issued alerts more than once. They have worked in various ways to call on Chinese citizens to evacuate as soon as possible and offer them assistance. As of March 2, Beijing time, over 3,000 Chinese citizens have been evacuated from Iran. Chinese diplomatic missions in Iran's neighboring countries have sent working groups to receive and assist the evacuated Chinese citizens at border ports.

Given the severe security situation in Iran, we once again advise the Chinese citizens in Iran to take extra safety precautions and leave Iran as soon as possible. If any help is needed, please contact the Chinese embassy and consulate in Iran or dial consular protection hotline 12308.

AFP: The Foreign Ministry of China confirmed yesterday that a Chinese national was injured in the attacks. Could you give us more details about this person, including where it happened? 

Mao Ning: China mourns for our fellow citizen who lost his life when caught in the military conflict in Tehran. We extend sympathies to the family of the victim. The Foreign Ministry has directed the Chinese embassy in Iran to provide assistance to those affected and their families.

Anadolu Agency: Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in his phone conversation with Russian counterpart Lavrov called on the international community to make clear and unequivocal voice in opposing the regression of the world to the law of the jungle. By which means should such a message be given?

Mao Ning: China has made its position clear more than once. With the support of China and Russia, the U.N. Security Council met in emergency session yesterday on the current situation in Iran. China stands ready to work with other parties to speak up for justice at the UN, the SCO and other platforms and uphold international fairness and justice.

Shenzhen TV: It's been reported that the US Department of War was in talks with leading AI companies about partnerships to conduct automated reconnaissance of China's power grids, utilities and sensitive networks with AI-powered cyber tools to identify flaws that could be exploited in any conflict. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: We have noted reports on this. The US has long been the leading source of instability in cyberspace. It had been conducting cyber attacks and prepositioning against China's key infrastructure even before the development of AI. The US government even asks major tech companies to directly serve US geopolitical, political and military targets, a move that has grave global impact. The Chinese side has made clear its deep concern to the US side through multiple channels and will ensure China's cyber security with all measures necessary.

Bloomberg: U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he'll visit China later this month. Do you have any details about that visit? Does it appear to your side that this will go ahead? 

Mao Ning: China and the U.S. are in communication regarding interactions between the two heads of state. As for your specific question, I have no information to share at the moment.

Anadolu Agency: Another question about the phone call between Chinese and Russian foreign ministers. Are China and Russia considering providing military support to Iran if the country requests such a support? Was that possibility discussed during the call?

Mao Ning: On the phone conversation between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, China has released a readout. I have no more information to add.

NHK: The U.S. and Iran launched military strikes against Iran and Iran's supreme leader Khamenei was killed. What is China's reaction to this?

Mao Ning: The attack and killing of Iran's supreme leader is a grave violation of Iran's sovereignty and security. It tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. We urge for an immediate stop to the military operations, no further escalation of the tense situation and joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large.

Global Times: Foreign media recently reported that Iran is close to a deal with China to purchase the CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missile. If delivered, the missiles would be among the most advanced military hardware to be transferred to Iran by China in recent years. Can you confirm this?

Mao Ning: The report is not true. As a responsible major country, China always abides by its international obligations. China opposes ill-intentioned association and the spread of disinformation, and hopes relevant sides will choose the course of action conducive to deescalating the tense situation.

AFP: Another question on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has said yesterday that this war in Iran could last for weeks. So what's China's reaction and what's your message to the U.S. president?

Mao Ning: China has stated its position more than once. We urge parties to immediately stop the military operations, prevent further escalation of the tense situation and make joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large.

Anadolu Agency: Did China have any contacts with the U.S. side during or just before this military operation?

Mao Ning: What I can tell you is that China was not notified about the U.S.'s military operations beforehand.

Beijing Youth Daily: It's reported that on February 27 local time, a Bolivian military plane crashed onto a busy avenue near the capital city, La Paz. The incident killed over 20 people and injured dozens. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: We noted relevant reports. China expresses deep condolences over the lives lost in the incident and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured, and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

NPR: You said that China calls for a cessation of the fighting in Iran and the attack. What else can be done? Does the United Nations have a role that should be played here? Are you calling for another Security Council meeting or some other type of multilateral effort?

Mao Ning: The UN Security Council has held an emergency meeting with the support of China and Russia to discuss the current situation. We support the Security Council in continuing to play its due role and we hope relevant parties will stop the military operations at once and avoid further escalation.

EFE: The PLA Navy hospital ship Silk Road Ark docked last week in Valparaíso, Chile, as part of its "Harmony-2025" medical deployment, but Chilean health authorities did not authorize the planned free medical services on board, citing regulatory requirements. In light of this, does China plan to review the procedures of its overseas medical and humanitarian missions to avoid similar situations in the future?

Mao Ning: I'd refer you to competent authorities.