China on Thursday urged the United States to “stop hyping” the narrative of a China threat, after a US intelligence report said Beijing was unlikely to invade Taiwan next year.Responding to the report, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Washington should “speak and act cautiously” on Taiwan, correct its understanding of China, and avoid amplifying threat perceptions. “The US should… speak and act cautiously on the Taiwan issue”, should “correct their understanding of China, and stop hyping up the China threat theory,” he told a press conference, when asked about the report. In a separate statement, Beijing also condemned the killing of senior Iranian leader Ali Larijani in an Israeli air strike, calling the attack “unacceptable”.China, a close partner of Iran, has nonetheless criticised Tehran’s strikes on Gulf states hosting US military bases, reflecting its attempt to balance ties across the region.“We have always opposed the use of force in international relations. The killing of Iranian state leaders and attacks on civilian targets are even more unacceptable,” Lin said, urging all sides to immediately halt military operations and prevent further escalation.Beijing has stepped up diplomatic outreach in recent weeks, with its Middle East envoy Zhai Jun holding talks with regional officials. During these engagements, China has stressed that civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and that key shipping routes should remain secure.The foreign ministry also said earlier this week that China would provide humanitarian assistance to countries affected by the conflict, including Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, as it positions itself as a mediator calling for restraint.
