BEIJING — China said it does not support attacks on Gulf countries and condemned strikes targeting civilians and non-military infrastructure, urging an immediate halt to military operations and a return to diplomacy.

Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing opposes violence affecting the region and called for restraint amid escalating tensions. The China response to attacks on Gulf countries comes as regional hostilities have intensified following recent military exchanges involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Guo said China condemns indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-military targets and emphasized that preventing further escalation should be the immediate priority.

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“The pressing priority now is to stop military operations at once and prevent the conflict from spreading,” Guo said, adding that dialogue and negotiation remain the only path toward restoring peace in the region.

He also stressed that all countries must respect international law and the principles of sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

China’s comments follow growing regional tensions since Feb. 28, when Israel and the United States launched a joint strike on Iran. Iranian authorities have since carried out retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries hosting U.S. military facilities.

In a recent phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi said Beijing believes Iran will maintain national stability while also addressing the security concerns of neighboring countries.

The ongoing escalation has resulted in significant casualties across the region, with reports indicating more than 1,200 people killed and thousands injured since the conflict intensified.