China expressed strong condemnation on Thursday over the killing of prominent Iranian figure Ali Larijani in an Israeli airstrike, describing the incident as “unacceptable” and a serious violation of international norms. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized during a routine press briefing that targeting Iranian leaders and civilian areas cannot be justified under any circumstances, highlighting Beijing’s firm stance against the use of force in resolving conflicts.
Lin Jian reiterated China’s consistent opposition to military aggression in international affairs, underscoring the importance of dialogue and diplomacy over violence. This statement came shortly after Iranian media outlets confirmed the death of Larijani on Tuesday, a development that was also acknowledged by Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly announced the killing in a televised address, suggesting that Larijani’s demise might pave the way for significant political shifts within Iran.
Ali Larijani was a key figure in Iran’s political and strategic landscape, known for his ability to blend ideological commitment with pragmatic statecraft. At 68 years old, Larijani had long been trusted by the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, having served in various influential roles including military service, media leadership, and legislative authority. His expertise was particularly evident in shaping Iran’s nuclear policy and diplomatic engagements, making him a central player in Tehran’s approach to regional and international challenges.
In June 2025, following the outbreak of war between Iran, Israel, and the United States, Larijani was appointed to lead Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, a position he had previously held nearly twenty years earlier. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating defense strategies and overseeing nuclear negotiations, demonstrating his enduring influence on Iran’s security apparatus. Larijani also became a prominent diplomatic figure, undertaking visits to Gulf countries such as Oman and Qatar as Iran cautiously sought to engage in regional dialogue, although these efforts were ultimately derailed by ongoing hostilities.
Born in 1957 in Najaf, Iraq, Ali Larijani hailed from a distinguished family deeply embedded in Iran’s political and religious elite. His father was a respected Shia cleric closely associated with the Islamic Republic’s founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Larijani himself pursued higher education at the University of Tehran, earning a PhD in Western philosophy, which complemented his multifaceted career. He was a veteran of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq war and later served as head of Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB for a decade starting in 1994. From 2008 to 2020, he held the influential position of parliamentary speaker, further cementing his role in shaping Iran’s domestic and foreign policies.
The killing of Ali Larijani marks a significant escalation in the already volatile Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape. It underscores the deepening conflict between Israel and Iran, with potential repercussions for regional stability and international diplomatic efforts. China’s condemnation reflects its broader commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its interest in maintaining stability in a region critical to global energy supplies and international security.
