On Thursday, China issued a firm condemnation regarding the recent killing of Iranian political figure Ali Larijani, which occurred during an Israeli airstrike. The Chinese government described the incident as “unacceptable,” emphasizing its disapproval of targeted attacks on both political leaders and civilian populations. This statement was delivered by Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during a routine press briefing held in Beijing.
Lin Jian underscored China’s consistent opposition to the use of military force in resolving international disputes, reaffirming the country’s longstanding stance on peaceful diplomacy and conflict resolution. He stressed that any act involving the elimination of key political figures or assaults on non-combatants violates fundamental principles of international law and stability. The remarks came in direct response to questions about the escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly concerning the recent developments in Iran.
The news of Ali Larijani’s death first emerged on Tuesday through Iranian media outlets, which reported that the veteran politician had been killed in the airstrike. Israeli officials subsequently confirmed the incident, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledging Larijani’s demise during a televised address. Netanyahu suggested that this event might open the door to potential political shifts within Iran, hinting at possible changes in Tehran’s internal dynamics following the loss of such a prominent figure.
Ali Larijani was widely recognized for his ability to blend ideological commitment with pragmatic governance, particularly in the realms of nuclear policy and strategic diplomacy. Known for his calm demeanor and intellectual approach, the 68-year-old leader enjoyed significant trust from Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani’s extensive career spanned various sectors, including military service, media leadership, and legislative roles, reflecting his deep entrenchment in Iran’s political establishment.
In June 2025, following the outbreak of war between Iran, Israel, and the United States, Larijani was appointed to head Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the country’s highest security authority. This marked a return to a position he had previously held nearly twenty years earlier, where he played a critical role in coordinating defense strategies and overseeing Iran’s nuclear agenda. Over time, Larijani became increasingly prominent on the international stage, engaging in diplomatic missions to Gulf nations such as Oman and Qatar as Tehran cautiously pursued negotiations that were ultimately derailed by ongoing conflict.
Born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1957, Ali Larijani hailed from a distinguished family with strong ties to the Islamic Republic’s founding leadership. His father was a notable Shia cleric closely associated with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the architect of Iran’s 1979 revolution. Larijani himself pursued higher education rigorously, earning a doctorate in Western philosophy from the University of Tehran. His early career included service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq war, followed by a decade-long tenure as head of the state broadcaster IRIB from 1994. Later, he served as the speaker of Iran’s parliament from 2008 until 2020, cementing his influence across multiple facets of the country’s political landscape.
The killing of Ali Larijani represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, with potential ramifications for regional stability and diplomatic efforts. China’s vocal disapproval highlights the broader international concern over the use of force and the targeting of high-profile figures amid volatile geopolitical tensions. As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches closely to see how Iran will respond to this loss and what impact it may have on the future trajectory of Middle Eastern affairs.
