China on Monday said it opposes any targeting of Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following threats from the Israeli military against the successor to his slain father, Ali Khamenei.

Beijing called Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei “an internal matter”.

Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, “China opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected.”

He added that the naming of Mojtaba was made through Iran’s constitutional process.
China’s statement comes amid rising tensions in West Asia.

Beijing earlier condemned US-Israeli strikes on Iran as “illegal aggression”, called for a ceasefire, and urged restraint to protect its energy and Belt and Road Initiative interests. –

News18.com