China urges immediate ceasefire after US, Israel strike Iran

China's foreign affairs ministry has shown concern regarding the strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. The ministry called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to avoid further escalation, encouraging them to return to dialogue and negotiations. In a statement released on Saturday, February 28, the ministry emphasized the importance of respecting Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. On Sunday, the Chinese embassy in Israel warned its citizens to evacuate to safer areas within the country as soon as possible or to leave for Egypt through the Taba border crossing. The US and Israel carried out an attack on Iran on Saturday, focusing on its military capabilities. Reports from state media indicated that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the operation. In a related development, Cathay Group, a Hong Kong-based airline operator, announced on Saturday that it would suspend operations in the Middle East due to the rising tensions following the strikes. This suspension impacts passenger flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, along with freighter services at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. Cathay, which is the parent company of Cathay Pacific Airways, stated that it is rerouting flights that would normally fly over the affected area.