ANI
09 Mar 2026, 16:31 GMT+10
Beijing [China], March 9 (ANI): China has reacted cautiously to Iran's decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new supreme leader, describing the development as a domestic issue and urging respect for Iran's sovereignty, as reported by China Daily.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China had taken note of media reports about the leadership change in Iran. He emphasised that the decision regarding Iran's top leadership was made internally and in accordance with the country's legal framework.
'This is a decision by the Iranian side based on its constitution,' he said.
The spokesperson added that Beijing does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and believes Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. According to Chinese officials, leadership changes within Iran fall under the jurisdiction of the country's political and religious institutions and should not be subject to outside pressure or intervention, as per China Daily.
Iran's Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader, announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei on Sunday. The 56-year-old cleric is the son of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during recent military strikes amid an escalating regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The leadership transition marks a significant moment in Iran's political history, as Mojtaba Khamenei becomes the third supreme leader of the Islamic Republic.
China's statement also comes amid growing tensions in the Middle East, with Israel reportedly warning that it could target any successor to the late Iranian leader. Responding to those threats, Guo reiterated Beijing's opposition to actions that could further destabilise the region.
'China opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected,' he said.
Beijing has maintained diplomatic ties with Tehran and has often called for dialogue and restraint in regional conflicts. Its latest remarks signal a continuation of China's long-standing policy of non-interference while acknowledging the leadership transition in Iran.
The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty across the Middle East.
China has not offered further comment on the political implications of the decision, limiting its response to reiterating that the matter remains an internal affair for Iran. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of Calgary Monitor news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Calgary Monitor.
More InformationBeijing [China], March 9 (ANI): China has reacted cautiously to Iran's decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new supreme...
Trichy (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 9 (ANI): The escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has continued to reverberate...
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 9 (ANI): Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Monday announced the launch of a new Gemini Experience...
Sun Degang, director of the Middle East Studies Center at Fudan University, said that Mojtaba's personal drive for family revenge aligns...
(Photo credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) American tennis star Coco Gauff retired in the second...
New Delhi [India], March 9 (ANI): Congress MP K.C. Venugopal claimed that India stands to be significantly impacted by the West Asia...
HONG KONG: Gulf airlines have begun restoring limited flight operations from the United Arab Emirates, but missile threats and widespread...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: A Doberman pinscher named Penny strolled away with the honors this week at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog...
(Photo credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) American tennis star Coco Gauff retired in the second...
(Photo credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images) Devin Booker had 30 points and 10 assists, Jalen Green and Collin Gillespie each added...
Ottawa [Canada], March 9 (ANI): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has held high-level discussions with United States President Donald...
(260309) -- TORONTO, March 9, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Cooper Flagg (C) of Dallas Mavericks shoots during the 2025-2026 NBA regular season...
