A Chinese envoy called on all relevant parties to "exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation" as the United Nations Security Council on Sunday held an emergency session on Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel.

On April 1, Iran's diplomatic compound in Syria was subjected to an air strike, resulting in multiple casualties among Iranian personnel and severe damage to the premises. The incident constituted a serious violation of the UN Charter and international law, violating both Syrian and Iranian sovereignty, with extremely negative implications, said Dai Bing, the charge d'affaires of China's permanent mission to the UN.

The escalation of events that took place on Saturday has caused "deep concern" from China, he said, adding that the Chinese government calls on "all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and calmness, resolve differences and disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, and avoid further escalation."