US Edition
Beijing, a longtime friend of Tehran, turns to cautious diplomacy in Iran's war with Israel
- A fragile ceasefire paused a 12-day war between Israel and Iran that caused over 1,050 Iranian and 28 Israeli deaths, with U.S. strikes intensifying the conflict.
- The conflict escalated amid U.S. pressure on Iran's nuclear program and a concession by President Trump allowing China to continue purchasing Iranian oil.
- China condemned Israeli and U.S. attacks, stood by Iran diplomatically, pledged mediation, but avoided military involvement due to limited influence and risk appetite.
- Estimates indicate China imports roughly 80% to 90% of Iran's oil exports, highlighting Beijing's energy stakes and concern that conflict could disrupt its Belt and Road projects.
- China’s cautious diplomacy reflects its commercial priorities and limited leverage, suggesting it will remain a measured, risk-averse actor while criticizing U.S. disruption.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Although Beijing is not directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran, two developments are likely to lead to Xi Jinping.
China Resigned to Quiet Diplomacy After U.S. and Israeli Strikes on Iran
A fragile ceasefire appears to have paused 12 days of war between Israel and Iran, which has killed at least 28 people in Israel and at least 1,054 people in Iran. As the dust settles, observers have scrutinized not only the U.S., whose military took the dramatic decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites, but also China, whose calls for peace were relegated to the sidelines. Despite its rhetorical alignment with Iran, the Chinese government m…
China is buying Iran's oil exports almost completely, the armies of both countries are doing maneuvers together. However, during the Israeli and American attacks, Beijing remained conspicuously silent.
Why US Strikes on Iran Sent a Strong Message to Beijing
The short-lived war between Israel and Iran has highlighted Iran’s partnerships with other U.S. adversaries, mainly Russia and communist China. Though no formal alliance exists between Iran, China, Russia, and other aligned states, their political and economic relationships are often seen as a de facto coalition opposed to the U.S.-led West. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) publicly condemned the Israeli and American attacks on Iran’s nuclear a…
Beijing, a longtime friend of Tehran, turns to cautious diplomacy in Iran's war with Israel
When Israel attacked Iran nearly two weeks ago, the Chinese government, a longtime friend of Iran, jumped into action — at least, when it came to words. It condemned the attacks. Its leader, Xi Jinping, got on the phone with the Russian leader and urged a ceasefire. Its foreign minister spoke with his counterpart in Iran. But that’s where China stopped. The usual rhetoric was delivered. De-escalation and dialogue were trumpeted. Yet China offere…
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