Gladness Gideon
China has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for inflaming tensions amid a dangerous escalation between Iran and Israel, accusing him of “pouring oil” on an already volatile situation.
The rebuke follows Trump’s public warning to Iranian citizens to “immediately evacuate” in the aftermath of Israel’s surprise aerial campaign last week targeting multiple sites across Iran. The strikes, which Israel claims are aimed at curbing Tehran’s alleged nuclear ambitions, have sparked international concern over the risk of broader regional conflict.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun condemned Trump’s remarks, stating they undermine efforts to defuse the situation.
“Fanning the flames, pouring oil, making threats and mounting pressure will not help to promote the de-escalation of the situation, but will only intensify and widen the conflict,” Guo said.
He called on all parties, especially those with “special influence” over Israel, to act responsibly and pursue de-escalation to avoid a wider Middle East crisis.
“The Chinese side calls on all relevant parties to shoulder their responsibilities, take immediate measures to de-escalate tensions, and prevent the conflict from expanding and spreading,” he added.
Trump’s warning, posted on his Truth Social platform, came after Israel’s attacks disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations involving Tehran, Washington, and European powers. He also called on Iran to return to the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, China’s embassy in Israel has issued a directive urging Chinese nationals to leave the country “as soon as possible,” citing a deteriorating security environment.
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“Much civilian infrastructure has been damaged, civilian casualties are on the rise, and the security situation is becoming more serious,” the embassy said in a notice posted on WeChat.
The embassy advised its citizens to exit via land routes, particularly toward Jordan, as air travel remains uncertain and potentially unsafe.
The latest developments come amid growing fears that the long-standing shadow conflict between Iran and Israel could erupt into open warfare, drawing in regional and global powers. The international community has continued to urge restraint on both sides, but diplomatic solutions remain elusive.
As tensions escalate, China’s intervention signals a broader call for diplomacy over rhetoric, especially from global figures whose words carry significant weight in international affairs.