China is paying close attention to the Iran situation, and Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should all be respected, said Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), on Wednesday.

China calls for an immediate stop to military operations and the resumption of dialogue to prevent further escalation, Lou added.

He noted that, as a responsible major country, China stands ready to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.

Lou stressed that China has always believed that mutual respect and equality among all countries, big or small, represents the progress of our times and is the foremost principle of the UN Charter. No country has the right to dominate global affairs, control the destiny of others or keep advantages in development all to itself, he said.

(Cover: Men watch from a hillside as a plume of smoke rises after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, March 2, 2026. /VCG)