China has long been a key player in the Middle East, with its economic and political interests deeply intertwined with the region. As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, China’s approach and stakes in this conflict have become increasingly important. Here’s what you need to know about China’s involvement in the Israel-Iran war.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that China has maintained a neutral stance in the Israel-Iran conflict. Unlike other major powers such as the United States and Russia, China has not taken sides or openly supported either country. This approach is in line with China’s long-standing foreign policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
However, this does not mean that China is not affected by the Israel-Iran war. In fact, China has significant economic and strategic interests in both countries, making the conflict a matter of great importance for the Chinese government.
Let’s start with China’s relationship with Iran. China is one of Iran’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching over $20 billion in 2020. Iran is also a key supplier of oil to China, with the country being the largest importer of Iranian oil. This close economic relationship has been strengthened by the signing of a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement between the two countries in March 2021.
As such, any disruption to the flow of oil from Iran due to the conflict with Israel would have a significant impact on China’s economy. This is especially true as China continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and relies heavily on imported oil to fuel its economic growth.
Moreover, China sees Iran as a key partner in its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through infrastructure and trade. Iran’s strategic location in the Middle East makes it an important link in this initiative, and any instability in the country could hinder China’s plans.
On the other hand, China also has strong ties with Israel. Despite not having official diplomatic relations, the two countries have a robust economic relationship, with Israel being one of China’s top suppliers of advanced technology. China also sees Israel as a key partner in its efforts to diversify its energy sources, with the two countries collaborating on renewable energy projects.
Furthermore, China has been investing heavily in Israel’s tech sector, with Chinese companies acquiring Israeli startups and investing in research and development centers. This partnership has been mutually beneficial, with Israel gaining access to China’s vast market and China benefiting from Israel’s cutting-edge technology.
However, the Israel-Iran conflict poses a threat to this relationship. As tensions between the two countries continue to rise, China’s investments in Israel could be at risk. Any military action or escalation of the conflict could also disrupt the flow of technology and innovation between the two countries.
In addition to economic interests, China also has strategic concerns in the Israel-Iran conflict. China has been expanding its presence in the Middle East, with the establishment of its first overseas military base in Djibouti in 2017. This move has been seen as a way for China to protect its energy interests and secure its maritime trade routes.
The conflict between Israel and Iran could potentially destabilize the region and threaten China’s investments and interests. This is a major concern for China, as it seeks to maintain stability in the Middle East to safeguard its economic and strategic interests.
In light of these factors, China has been actively working to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Iran. Chinese diplomats have been engaging with both countries, urging them to exercise restraint and find a peaceful resolution to their differences. China has also called for all parties involved to respect international law and the sovereignty of other nations.
Furthermore, China has been promoting its own proposal for a regional security framework in the Middle East, which aims to address the root causes of conflicts and promote cooperation among countries in the region. This proposal has been well-received by many countries, including Israel and Iran, and could potentially play a role in resolving the current conflict.
In conclusion, China’s approach to the Israel-Iran war is one of neutrality, but its stakes in the conflict are high. As a major economic and strategic player in the region, China has a vested interest in maintaining stability and finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Chinese government is actively working towards this goal and remains committed to promoting peace and cooperation in the Middle East.
