BEIJING, China — China on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, accused U.S. President Donald Trump of exacerbating tensions in the Middle East, warning that his latest remarks and actions risk inflaming the growing conflict between Iran and Israel.
The accusation came in response to Trump’s urgent call for the evacuation of Tehran amid fears of a broader regional war following Israel’s surprise aerial strikes on multiple targets across Iran last week.
The strikes, according to Israeli officials, were aimed at disrupting what they claim are Tehran’s covert nuclear activities — allegations Iran has long denied.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “Everyone should immediately evacuate!” — a message interpreted by global observers as a sign of potential escalation and impending danger.
China’s Foreign Ministry, reacting to the U.S. president’s statement, criticised Washington’s posture and warned against aggressive rhetoric.
“Fanning the flames, pouring oil, making threats and mounting pressure will not help to promote the de-escalation of the situation, but will only intensify and widen the conflict,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun during a press briefing in Beijing.
Guo called on all parties, particularly countries with influence over Israel, to play a constructive role in halting the escalation.
“The Chinese side calls on all relevant parties, especially countries with special influence on Israel, to shoulder their responsibilities, take immediate measures to de-escalate tensions, and prevent the conflict from expanding and spreading,” he said.
China, which has positioned itself as a mediator in global conflicts in recent years, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in the Middle East, where diplomatic efforts to revive the stalled Iran nuclear talks now hang in the balance.
Meanwhile, China’s embassy in Israel issued a security alert, urging Chinese nationals to evacuate the country immediately.
In a statement posted on its official WeChat account, the embassy advised Chinese citizens to exit via land border crossings if it is safe to do so.
“The Chinese mission in Israel reminds Chinese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible via land border crossings, on the precondition that they can guarantee their personal safety,” the alert read.
“It is recommended to depart in the direction of Jordan.”
The embassy warned that civilian casualties are rising and critical infrastructure is being destroyed.
“Much civilian infrastructure has been damaged, civilian casualties are on the rise, and the security situation is becoming more serious,” the notice added.
The conflict between Iran and Israel has rapidly escalated following the Israeli airstrikes, raising alarms across the international community.
Diplomatic channels remain tense as global powers attempt to prevent the conflict from spiralling into a broader regional war.
