China Made ‘Serious Strategic Miscalculation’ on Iran, Sources Say

Muted Chinese response to U.S.–Israel strikes came after multiple revisions and reflected shock, according to people familiar with the situation.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on May 13, 2018. Thomas Peter/AFP via Getty Images

When Western allies reacted to the U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, Beijing’s response was measured.

The Chinese foreign ministry statement came seven hours after the operation began and contained slightly more than 80 words. The spokesperson said Beijing is “highly concerned” and called for “an immediate stop to the military actions.”