China has issued a strong condemnation following the recent killing of prominent Iranian political figure Ali Larijani in an Israeli airstrike. The Chinese government described the incident as “unacceptable,” highlighting its firm stance against violence targeting political leaders and civilian populations. This statement was delivered by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a routine press briefing, where he emphasized that such acts undermine international peace and stability.
Lin Jian reiterated China’s longstanding opposition to the use of force in resolving international disputes, underscoring the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. He stressed that attacks on civilian areas and the assassination of influential leaders only serve to escalate conflicts and hinder prospects for peaceful resolution. This position aligns with China’s broader foreign policy principles, which advocate for respect of sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
The killing of Ali Larijani was first reported by Iranian media on Tuesday, with Israeli officials confirming his death shortly thereafter. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledged the operation in a televised address, suggesting that Larijani’s removal could open the door for significant political shifts within Iran. Netanyahu’s remarks hinted at the potential weakening of Iran’s hardline factions, though the broader implications for regional dynamics remain uncertain.
Ali Larijani was a key figure in Iran’s political and strategic landscape, known for his ability to blend ideological commitment with pragmatic diplomacy. At 68 years old, Larijani had a long and varied career, including leadership roles in Iran’s nuclear policy and foreign relations. He was widely regarded as a trusted confidant of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, having served in various capacities across the military, media, and legislative branches over several decades.
In June 2025, following the escalation of conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States, Larijani was appointed to head the Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s highest security authority. This role, which he had previously held nearly twenty years earlier, placed him at the center of coordinating Iran’s defense strategies and overseeing its nuclear program. His tenure was marked by cautious diplomatic outreach, including visits to Gulf countries such as Oman and Qatar, as Tehran sought to engage in negotiations that were ultimately derailed by ongoing hostilities.
Born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1957, Larijani hailed from a family deeply embedded in Iran’s political and religious establishment. His father was a prominent Shia cleric closely associated with the Islamic Republic’s founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Larijani himself pursued higher education, earning a PhD in Western philosophy from the University of Tehran, which contributed to his reputation as a thoughtful and measured leader. His early career included service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq war, followed by a decade-long leadership of the state broadcaster IRIB from 1994, and later, a twelve-year tenure as speaker of the Iranian parliament from 2008 to 2020.
The assassination of such a seasoned and influential figure is expected to have significant repercussions within Iran’s political hierarchy and the broader Middle East region. As tensions continue to escalate, China’s call for restraint and dialogue reflects growing international concern over the potential for further destabilization. The situation remains fluid, with many watching closely to see how Iran’s leadership will respond to this latest development.
