In the wake of the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, China has voiced strong disapproval, arguing that the United States has undermined its own credibility in international diplomacy. Beijing's criticism highlights a deeper geopolitical rivalry, as China positions itself as a peace advocate amid escalating tensions.
China Criticizes U.S. Actions Against Iran, Citing Credibility Loss
China Criticizes U.S. Actions Against Iran, Citing Credibility Loss
China's envoy to the UN condemns U.S. military strikes on Iran while pledging support for peace negotiations.
June 23, 2025, 4:22 a.m. ET
China has denounced the United States for damaging its own international credibility following military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, asserted in a statement to state media that both Iran and the U.S. credibility have been harmed, undermining U.S. standing in global negotiations. He made these remarks on Sunday during a U.N. Security Council emergency meeting.
Beijing has long framed the U.S. as aggressive and destabilizing while championing its own role as a responsible global leader. At the Security Council gathering, Fu condemned the U.S. actions and announced a collaboration with Russia and Pakistan to draft a U.N. resolution advocating for an immediate cease-fire and renewed peace talks.
In a subsequent editorial, the Chinese state media outlet Xinhua criticized the U.S., asserting that recent actions have exacerbated violence in the increasingly volatile Middle East. Concurrently, the Global Times, another Communist Party publication, claimed that the U.S. military intervention has undermined the fundamental pillars of international security.
The outcry from Beijing follows mounting anger among Chinese internet users, many expressing indignation that Iran was led to believe in possible diplomatic agreements with the U.S., only to be swiftly attacked.
Despite the criticisms, the underlying dynamic reveals China's longstanding support for Iran, both politically and economically. Beijing’s substantial purchases of Iranian oil have been vital for maintaining the Tehran regime and its foreign allies, including groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. As tensions rise, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to leverage its influence over Iran, particularly addressing concerns regarding any threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.
Experts suggest that although China would likely oppose any Iranian moves to obstruct the strait—given its dependency on Iranian oil—it will approach the issue cautiously. Wang Yiwei from Renmin University emphasized that any pressure on Iran would need to align with China’s own strategic interests rather than American demands. Meanwhile, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson refrained from directly answering questions about Iran’s potential actions and instead called for international efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
China has denounced the United States for damaging its own international credibility following military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, asserted in a statement to state media that both Iran and the U.S. credibility have been harmed, undermining U.S. standing in global negotiations. He made these remarks on Sunday during a U.N. Security Council emergency meeting.
Beijing has long framed the U.S. as aggressive and destabilizing while championing its own role as a responsible global leader. At the Security Council gathering, Fu condemned the U.S. actions and announced a collaboration with Russia and Pakistan to draft a U.N. resolution advocating for an immediate cease-fire and renewed peace talks.
In a subsequent editorial, the Chinese state media outlet Xinhua criticized the U.S., asserting that recent actions have exacerbated violence in the increasingly volatile Middle East. Concurrently, the Global Times, another Communist Party publication, claimed that the U.S. military intervention has undermined the fundamental pillars of international security.
The outcry from Beijing follows mounting anger among Chinese internet users, many expressing indignation that Iran was led to believe in possible diplomatic agreements with the U.S., only to be swiftly attacked.
Despite the criticisms, the underlying dynamic reveals China's longstanding support for Iran, both politically and economically. Beijing’s substantial purchases of Iranian oil have been vital for maintaining the Tehran regime and its foreign allies, including groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. As tensions rise, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to leverage its influence over Iran, particularly addressing concerns regarding any threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.
Experts suggest that although China would likely oppose any Iranian moves to obstruct the strait—given its dependency on Iranian oil—it will approach the issue cautiously. Wang Yiwei from Renmin University emphasized that any pressure on Iran would need to align with China’s own strategic interests rather than American demands. Meanwhile, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson refrained from directly answering questions about Iran’s potential actions and instead called for international efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
