Xi Jinping, Putin Oppose ‘Illegal’ Strikes on Iran

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday expressed strong opposition to the ongoing US-Israeli military actions against Iran, describing the strikes as illegal and harmful to stability in the Middle East.

The remarks were made in a joint statement issued after extensive talks between the two leaders. According to the statement, the military actions undertaken by the United States and Israel against Iran undermine regional peace and heighten geopolitical tensions in an already volatile region.

The two leaders also warned that restrictions imposed on international shipping routes by “individual states” could threaten global trade and economic stability. The statement was viewed as an indirect reference to the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Concerns have intensified following reports that Tehran had disrupted shipping movements in the region.

In addition, the joint statement criticised US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence shield plan, suggesting that such military initiatives could further escalate global strategic tensions.

The discussions between China and Russia come amid growing international concern over escalating conflict in the Middle East, rising energy prices, and potential disruptions to global supply chains and maritime trade routes. Analysts believe the coordinated stance taken by Beijing and Moscow reflects deeper geopolitical alignment between the two countries on major international security issues.