The Red Cross Society of China has announced it will provide $200,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. China’s foreign ministry confirmed on Tuesday that this is to support the families of students killed in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Chinese Red Cross condemns civilian targeting as regional conflict widens
Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced the contribution during a daily press briefing in Beijing. He stated that the Chinese Red Cross funds are intended for condolences and relief to the parents of the slain students.
BREAKING:
China announces $200,000 in aid to parents of Iranian students killed in the war. pic.twitter.com/0JNy2Tj9CJ
— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) March 13, 2026
He emphasised Beijing’s commitment to the Iranian people, stating that China stands ready to provide additional necessary assistance to Iran.
“China condemns all indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-military targets,” Guo told journalists.
The pledge comes as the conflict across the Middle East enters its second week. The latest escalation followed wide-ranging strikes launched by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the death of the country’s supreme leader.
Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks on Israel and US-allied Gulf states. The responses have reportedly extended to non-military targets, including civilian sites and energy facilities.
The fighting has rapidly spread to Lebanon, with casualties and damage mounting on all sides.
Beijing walks a diplomatic tightrope amid energy security concerns
A CNN report said Beijing has avoided direct involvement in the conflict. But US officials are monitoring signs that Beijing’s position could be shifting.
Findings by Charity Journal show that China is a major buyer of Iranian crude oil. It has separately urged Tehran to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping.
Meanwhile, a source familiar with the intelligence told CNN that Beijing is approaching any potential support cautiously. This is partly because the conflict could threaten its energy security.
Last week, six US troops were killed and several others injured in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
Similarly, Iran has launched thousands of attack drones and hundreds of missiles at US military sites, embassies, and civilian targets, as US and Israeli strikes have hit more than 2,000 locations in Iran.
In a recent development, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Secretary General, Jan Egeland, condemned the international community’s willingness to fund military campaigns. He noted that critical humanitarian operations across the Middle East face crippling funding shortages and political obstruction.