CNBC's Elaine Yu reports on China's reaction to the military operation that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

China said it is "highly concerned" over the military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel, calling for an immediate stop to the military action.

The U.S. strike on Iran is part of a bigger play that extends beyond the Middle East to China, analysts said.

Killing of Khamenei a ‘grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, says Foreign Ministry, condemns US-Israeli attack - Anadolu Ajansı

Iran's strategic allies Russia and China have made strong diplomatic protests, but analysts say neither is in a position to offer meaningful support.

Nonprofits funded by a tech tycoon aligned with the Chinese Communist Party organize coordinated anti-US protests and propaganda supporting the regime in Iran

While Beijing publicly advocates restraint, sustained tensions between the U.S. and Iran serve its strategic interests.

Iran is close to buying a supersonic missile from China that could destroy American aircraft carriers. Officials from the Islamic Republic are in advanced negotiations with Beijing to purchase the CM-302 cruise weapon, which is designed to damage warships, according to Reuters.

By Gavin Finch , Parisa Hafezi and John Irish LONDON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Iran is close to a deal with China to purchase anti‑ship cruise missiles, according to six people with knowledge of the negotiations,

The US Navy's Tomahawk cruise missiles have been used heavily in recent conflicts, deepening the strain on its stockpile.