China Condemns Assassination of Iran's National Security Chief Ali Larijani: Unacceptable

China has condemned the assassination of Iran’s national security chief, Ali Larijani, by an Israeli airstrike. China deems the killing of several Iranian state leaders as an unacceptable act.

According to AFP, on Thursday (19/3/2026), Beijing is a close partner of Iran but has also criticised Tehran’s attacks on Gulf states hosting US military bases.

Larijani is the most prominent Iranian figure to die since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior figures perished during the initial wave of US and Israeli attacks when the war began on 28 February.

“We have always opposed the use of violence in international relations. The act of assassinating Iranian state leaders and attacking civilian targets is even more unacceptable,” said spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, in a press conference when asked about Larijani’s death.

“China urges the relevant parties to immediately cease military operations and prevent the regional situation from spiralling out of control,” Lin stated.

Beijing has sought to mediate the war, with its special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, meeting high-level officials across the region this month.

During his visit, Zhai emphasised that “non-military targets must not be attacked, and the security of shipping lanes must not be disrupted,” Lin said. China’s Foreign Ministry stated that Beijing will provide humanitarian assistance to Iran, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.

In line with China, Iran’s ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed condolences to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei over Ali Larijani’s death. Putin described Larijani as a figure of a friend.

“Please accept our deepest condolences over the death of the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Larijani,” Putin said in a message addressed to Khamenei, published by Iran’s official broadcaster IRIB, according to Russian news media, including the state news agency Tass, as reported by Anadolu on Thursday (19/3).

Putin portrayed Larijani as a “true friend” of Russia, for his contributions to developing the comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran and “he will remain in our hearts.”

“Please convey my sincere condolences and support to the family and friends of the deceased,” he added.