China FM says US-Israel attack on Iran 'clearly violated international law'

China's foreign minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that US and Israeli attacks on Iran were a violation of international law, Chinese state media reported, as he held calls with his EU, German and Saudi counterparts.

Wang also stressed that the UN Security Council (UNSC) -- of which China is a permanent member -- "should prevent the escalation of conflict, and not legalize unauthorized military actions", state broadcaster CCTV said, as the international body debates a draft resolution on the use of force in the Hormuz strait.

The resolution introduced by Bahrain would authorize states to use "all necessary means" to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been virtually paralyzed by Iran since US-Israeli military strikes began late February.

"The military attack launched by the United States and Israel against Iran was not authorized by the UNSC and clearly violated international law", Wang told Germany's foreign minister Johann Wadephul in a phone call Thursday, CCTV reported.

"The actions of the UNSC should focus on easing the situation, not on giving unauthorized military actions the appearance of legitimacy, and certainly not on further intensifying conflict," Wang said in a separate call with the European Union's foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas.

Beijing is a close partner of Tehran and the main buyer of Iranian oil, most of which passes through the strait.

But it also has strong economic ties to the Gulf countries and has repeatedly criticized attacks on them.

In another call with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Wang warned "small and medium-sized countries" would bear the brunt of "endless troubles" if the UNSC didn't fulfill its role to deescalate, according to CCTV.

Five-point initiative to end war

China, together with Pakistan, has put forward a five-point initiative to end the war.

The proposal followed talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on March 31.

PR No.85/2026

Five-Point Initiative of China and Pakistan for Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region (Beijing, March 31,2026) pic.twitter.com/JAkSsro17a — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 31, 2026

Call for ceasefire and dialogue

According to an official statement by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to prevent further escalation.

They stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected areas and said diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving the crisis.

Sovereignty and civilian protection emphasized

The joint initiative underscored the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Iran and other Gulf states.

Both countries urged all stakeholders to begin peace talks and refrain from the use or threat of force.

They also called for the protection of civilians and non-military infrastructure, emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian law. The statement warned against attacks on critical facilities, including energy installations, desalination plants, power infrastructure and peaceful nuclear sites.

Focus on shipping routes and global trade

China and Pakistan highlighted concerns over the security of global shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global trade and energy supplies.

They called for ensuring the safety of vessels and crews and for the swift restoration of normal maritime traffic through the waterway.

Concerns have grown internationally about potential disruptions to maritime flows amid ongoing fighting in the region.

Support for UN-led multilateral framework

The two countries reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in addressing the crisis and called for “true multilateralism.”

They urged the international community to work toward a comprehensive and lasting peace framework in line with the UN Charter and international law.