"China on Monday strongly condemned the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "The attack and assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader was a serious violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, and a trampling of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations," Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters at a press conference in Beijing, adding that China urges an immediate cessation of military operations. The comments follow a joint US-Israel military operation against Iran on Saturday, after which US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to 'destroy Iran's missiles.' In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced 'large-scale missile and drone attacks' targeting Israel. Reports also indicated that US military bases across the region, including in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait, were struck amid the escalation. “China is deeply concerned about the spillover effects of the conflict on neighbouring countries. China believes that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should also be fully respected. We urge all parties to cease military operations and prevent the further escalation of the conflict,” Mao added. Mao was quick to reject foreign media reports suggesting that China was close to an agreement with Iran to purchase CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles. “The report is untrue. As a responsible major country, China has always fulfilled its international obligations. China opposes malicious hype and hopes that relevant parties will do more to ease tensions,” the spokesperson said. Beijing also showed concern about the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a vital international trade and energy route whose stability is in the common interest of the international community. “China has stated its position on multiple occasions. We urge all parties to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and the world,” Mao concluded. According to the Iranian Red Crescent, more than 555 people have died since the start of the war, and at least 131 cities have been impacted at the time of publication."