Mojtaba Khamenei. Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader [AFP=Yonhap News]

The Chinese government has recognized Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as Iran's new leader.

At a regular press briefing on the 9th, Guo Zhaokun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to reporters asking about China's stance on the election of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader by saying, "We have taken note of the relevant reports. This is a decision made by Iran in accordance with its constitution."

When asked about how China views statements by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Mojtaba Khamenei might not last long, and Israel's threat to target him, Guo stated, "China opposes interference in the internal affairs of other countries for any reason. Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity must be respected."

He added, "China calls for an immediate cessation of military action and a swift return to dialogue and negotiation to avoid escalating tensions."

On the same day, the Chinese state-run news agency China News Service also reported comments from Iranian Ambassador to China, Ramani Fazli, stating, "Mojtaba Khamenei possesses all the qualifications required for a leader as stipulated in the Iranian constitution."

In an interview with China News Service, Ambassador Fazli explained, "Over the past nine days, Iran has formed an interim leadership committee, and the Assembly of Experts has also been working to select a new leader. Yesterday, they reached a consensus and chose Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader from among several candidates."