In the wake of Iran’s direct assault on Israel, China has reiterated its commitment to maintaining and strengthening its relationship with Tehran. This development comes at a time when global tensions are heightened due to Iran’s actions.
What Happened: Following Iran’s unprecedented strike on Israel, China has signaled a continuation of strong bilateral ties with Tehran, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. China’s top diplomat expressed readiness to work with Iran across various sectors.
During a phone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated China’s intention to “steadily advance practical cooperation in various fields” and promote the development of the China-Iran relationship. Wang also acknowledged Iran’s stance that its military action was a “limited” self-defense measure and expressed confidence in Iran’s ability to manage the aftermath to prevent further instability.
The diplomatic support from China comes as Iran’s missile and drone attack on Israel raises concerns of escalating conflict. Tehran’s attack was in retaliation for an incident in Syria that resulted in the death of Iranian military personnel. This marked the first time Iran has directly targeted Israel from its territory.
In response to the attack, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation targeting China’s purchase of Iranian oil. This is part of a broader legislative effort in reaction to Iran’s aggressive move.
While specifics of the cooperation were not disclosed, China’s commitment follows historical pledges, including a vow from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to deepen ties after meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi last year. Despite US pressure on China to halt Iranian oil purchases, China remains a key buyer of Iranian oil and an influential player in discussions regarding the 2015 nuclear deal.
China’s role in the Middle East also includes facilitating a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to thaw diplomatic relations, as well as expanding the BRICS bloc, which now includes Iran as a member starting in 2024.
Why It Matters: China’s reaffirmation of its partnership with Iran is significant against the backdrop of recent regional tensions. Earlier this year, Chinese officials reportedly warned Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, emphasizing the potential repercussions for Chinese-Iranian business interests.
Moreover, the recent escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, with Iran directly targeting Israeli soil, has led to international concern about a potential increase in Middle Eastern conflict. Israel’s contemplation of retaliation could further destabilize the region.
The U.S. has also voiced alarm over the military assistance that countries like North Korea, Iran, and notably China are providing to Russia, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
China’s ongoing support for Iran, therefore, not only underscores the strength of their bilateral relationship but also highlights China’s strategic interests in the Middle East, despite mounting pressure from the US and the international community.
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