China respects Iran’s “legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy,” a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, while urging a stop to U.S. military actions in favour of returning to talks and negotiations.

U.S. strikes on Iran “during ongoing negotiations … violate international law and basic principles of international relations,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular press briefing.

“The Iran nuclear issue should eventually return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement,” Mao said.

Mao also said China will take necessary measures to ensure its own energy security when asked about the potential impact of U.S. military actions in Venezuela and Iran on China’s oil supply.

“Energy security is very important to the world economy, and all parties should ensure a stable and smooth energy supply,” she said.

On Monday, Mao confirmed that a Chinese citizen had been killed in Tehran amid ongoing military conflicts. “We express our condolences for the deceased compatriot and our sympathies to the family,” she said, adding that the Chinese Embassy in Iran has been instructed to assist the individual involved and their family.

As of March 2, more than 3,000 Chinese citizens have been evacuated from Iran. Chinese embassies and consulates in neighbouring countries have sent working teams to assist evacuees at ports.

Mao called on all parties to halt military actions and prevent further escalation. Her comments followed Iran’s missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. military facilities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and other locations, reportedly in retaliation for joint U.S.-Israel strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.

China said the U.S. and Israel conducted the strikes without UN Security Council authorisation, calling the actions a violation of international law.

Beijing also expressed concern over the conflict’s spillover effects on neighbouring countries and welcomed the GCC foreign ministers’ call for dialogue and diplomacy.