China news today
Beijing, June 22, 2025 — As the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies, China has shown serious concern—not for the future of its key ally Tehran—but for the potential outcomes in case Western power falters in the Middle East. Speaking in a comment that took some analysts by surprise, Beijing signaled the consequences of a Western defeat could be more severe than any overt response against Iran.
Making representation on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese officials referred to the delicate balance of power in the region and furthered that China's economic relationships with the West—especially in trade and energy relations—make this conflict that sensitive.
"If the West loses strategic ground in the Middle East, it could create a power vacuum and unstable geopolitical realignments," said Liu Zhen, Renmin University's senior international policy analyst.
Why China Cares More About the West Losing
Though China enjoys a strong relationship with Iran through energy cooperation and Belt and Road investments but has not aligned with it in the conflict, experts explain that Beijing sees a weakened Western presence as a greater threat to world economic stability.
It is not about who comes out on top militarily—China is more concerned about who comes to dominate the future of oil routes, diplomacy, and trade corridors," said Chen Yi, former Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
China depends on the supply of over 70% of its oil, and most of this is from the Persian Gulf. Disruption of Western security guarantees in the area would disrupt supply lines and increase prices—something Beijing would do anything to prevent.
China Offers Mediation, But Will Probably Remain Hands-Off
In a move that is in keeping with its non-interventionist foreign policy, China has promised to mediate peace talks, urging all sides to show restraint. Few anticipate Beijing, however, to become actively engaged beyond diplomatic sparring.
"China's peace offer is more symbolic," said Dr. Alice Zhang, senior fellow at the China Global Affairs Institute. "They want to look responsible without actually getting involved in the mess."
China's Bigger Strategic Picture
This cautious approach belongs to China's worldwide strategy of promoting multipolarity without directly challenging the U.S. or EU. By suggesting that a Western defeat could destabilize the world, Beijing is trying to project itself as a defender of global order, instead of an opportunistic Iranian partner.
The message is clear: China doesn't care so much about who launches the next missile, but about who ends up with the diplomatic and economic levers after the dust settles.
External Links:
- China's response to Iran conflict more concerning if West loses – Fox Business
- China offers to mediate Iran-Israel conflict – The Straits Times
- How China’s energy ties shape its Middle East policy – Council on Foreign Relations
- Geopolitical Implications of Iran-Israel War – Brookings Institution
Beijing diplomacy China foreign policy China news energy security geopolitical strategy global trade Iran-Israel war Middle East conflict Western influence