An Iranian patrol boat near a Chinese ship during a joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman on March 12, 2024. (Credit: Iranian Ministry of Defense/AFP)
While Donald Trump ordered the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, the prospect of a deeper U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war raises questions about the stance of China, its biggest rival.In response, Beijing “strongly condemned” the U.S. strikes, saying the move “exacerbates tensions in the Middle East.” Later that day, China, Russia and Pakistan proposed the U.N. Security Council adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East, diplomats told Reuters.Since the start of the regional surge in violence, Beijing — Tehran’s strategic partner and main economic supporter — has taken a surprisingly restrained tone. In a phone call a week ago with the Israeli foreign minister, China’s top diplomat merely voiced his opposition to the attacks on Iran, despite having openly condemned...
While Donald Trump ordered the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, the prospect of a deeper U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war raises questions about the stance of China, its biggest rival.In response, Beijing “strongly condemned” the U.S. strikes, saying the move “exacerbates tensions in the Middle East.” Later that day, China, Russia and Pakistan proposed the U.N. Security Council adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East, diplomats told Reuters.Since the start of the regional surge in violence, Beijing — Tehran’s strategic partner and main economic supporter — has taken a surprisingly restrained tone. In a phone call a week ago with the Israeli foreign minister, China’s top diplomat merely voiced his opposition to the attacks on Iran, despite having...
Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon, demolishes buildings in Bint Jbeil