As an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iran last week sparks a spiraling conflict between the two enemy states, China has seen an opportunity to cast itself as potential peace broker – and an alternative voice to the United States.

China has called on Iran and Israel to immediately take steps to reduce rising tensions after a deadly exchange of missile strikes. The warning came after Tehran launched a barrage of missiles and drones toward Israel over the weekend.

China condemns Israel's violations of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and urges Israel to immediately stop all risky military actions, China's U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong said, state media Xinhua News Agency reported.