China has accused US President Donald Trump of "adding fuel to the fire" of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, reports "Agence France-Presse".
Beijing has rebuked after the US leader warned Tehran residents to "evacuate immediately".
After decades of hostility and a prolonged shadow war, Israel last week launched a surprise air campaign against targets in Iran, saying the aim was to prevent its arch-enemy from acquiring nuclear weapons - an ambition Tehran denies.
The sudden escalation of hostilities has raised fears of a wider conflict. Trump called on Iran to return to the negotiating table after Israel's attacks derailed ongoing talks on its nuclear program.
The American leader also issued an emergency warning on his social network Truth Social: "Everyone must evacuate Tehran immediately!".
Asked about Trump's statements, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: "Flattening the flames, adding fuel to the fire, making threats and increasing pressure will not help promote de-escalation of the situation, but will only intensify and widen the conflict".
"The Chinese side calls on all parties concerned, especially those with special influence on Israel, to shoulder their responsibilities, take immediate measures to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from escalating".
Today, the Chinese embassy in Israel has urged its citizens to leave the country "as soon as possible" after Israel and Iran struck each other hard.
"The Chinese mission in Israel reminds Chinese citizens to leave the country as soon as possible via land border crossings, provided they can guarantee their personal safety," the embassy said, recommending they head towards Jordan.
The embassy warned that the conflict "continues to escalate".
"A lot of civilian infrastructure has been damaged, civilian casualties are increasing, and the security situation is becoming increasingly serious," the diplomatic mission warned.