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 issued advisories to its citizens in Israel and Iran of the "complex and severe" security situation in those countries, adding a warning to those in Israel to prepare for possible missile and drone attacks. (Reporting by Ziyi Tang in Beijing and Kane Wu in Hong Kong; Editing by Stephen Coates and Raju Gopalakrishnan)

In response to Israel's attack, Lin Jian, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, said, according to state media, that "China is highly concerned about Israel's attacks