China condemns deadly air strike that killed more than 160 Iranian schoolgirls

China has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of more than 160 Iranian girl students killed in an air strike, calling the attack a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

In a statement posted on social media by the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing condemned “all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non‑military targets,” stressing that assaults on schools and children “defy human conscience.”

The spokesperson referenced the incident under the hashtag #ShajarahTayyebeh, which has been used widely in Iran to mourn the victims.

China also announced that the Red Cross Society of China will provide USD 200,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. According to the statement, the assistance is intended specifically to support the parents of the students who were killed.

China mourns for the 160+ Iranian girl students killed in an air strike #ShajarahTayyebeh and condemns all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets. Attacks on schools and children are unacceptable as they defy international humanitarian law and human… pic.twitter.com/f8cnDDCXCB

— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) March 13, 2026

Beijing reiterated that the protection of civilians, especially children, must remain a fundamental principle in all conflict situations.