China Expresses Shock Over Israeli Strikes, Condemns Killing of Iranian Officials

China has voiced strong opposition to the reported Israeli military authorization to target Iranian officials, describing the development as deeply concerning and a violation of international norms.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, March 19, 2026, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “shocked” by reports that Israel has been authorised to kill any Iranian official. The ministry reaffirmed its stance against the use of force in international relations.

“The killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets are by no means acceptable,” the statement read.

The Chinese response comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following a series of high-profile targeted strikes attributed to Israeli forces.

On Wednesday, the Israeli Defence Forces announced the killing of Esmaeil Khatib, identified as Iran’s Minister of Intelligence, in what it described as a targeted strike in Tehran. In an official statement, the IDF declared: “Eliminated: Esmaeil Khatib, the Iranian terrorist regime Minister of Intelligence, in a targeted strike in Tehran.”

According to the Israeli military, Khatib played a significant role during recent protests across Iran, including the arrest and killing of protesters, and allegedly led terrorist activities against Israelis and Americans worldwide. The statement also linked him to actions during the Mahsa Amini protests between 2022 and 2023.

The IDF described Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence as possessing “advanced intelligence capabilities, overseeing surveillance, espionage, and the execution of covert operations worldwide, particularly against Israeli and Iranian citizens.”

In a separate operation, Israel Defense Forces also announced the killing of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in what it described as a precise air strike near Tehran.

“Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council who served as the de facto leader of Iran’s terrorist regime, has been eliminated,” the IDF said in a statement, adding that the operation was guided by intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate and Mossad.

The Israeli military described Larijani as one of the most influential figures within Iran’s leadership structure, alleging that he was responsible for directing the war against Israel and coordinating Iran’s international political-security affairs.

These operations follow the reported killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, which significantly escalated hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

China’s condemnation adds to growing international concern over the widening conflict in the region and the potential for further escalation following the targeted killings of high-ranking Iranian officials.