“China is shocked” by the announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz that members of the Israel Defense Forces are authorized to kill Iranian officials whenever they have the opportunity, without securing additional authorization, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in his March 19 briefing.
Israel’s policy was announced shortly after Israeli forces murdered Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council on March 17—an official who was considered by some as a potential interlocutor for any negotiated resolution to the U.S.-Israeli war.
“China is always against the use of force in international relations. The killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets are by no means acceptable,” Lin added, reiterating China’s call for an early ceasefire and an end to hostilities before the region plunges into chaos.
