Beijing: As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies with US President Donald Trump demanding Tehran's unconditional surrender and issuing stark threats against Iran's leadership, China has stepped up its diplomatic efforts. China has condemned Tel Aviv's military strikes and Washington's escalating rhetoric, warning of grave consequences if the violence spirals into a wider regional war.
According to TRTworld.com, Chinese experts say a collapse of government in Tehran—an outcome many believe Israel, and even the US, ultimately seeks—would trigger regional chaos, disrupt vital energy supplies, and jeopardize Beijing's extensive interests in the Middle East. In a video interview with TRT World, Einar Tangen, senior fellow at the Beijing-based Taihe Institute and founder of Asia Narratives, described the prospect of the Iranian government's fall as a nightmare scenario for Beijing.
Tangen's and Gao's remarks come as Beijing has repeatedly denounced Israel's actions in its official remarks. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking to both his Israeli and Iranian counterparts last week, called Israel's attacks a violation of international law and warned they could plunge the Middle East into deeper turmoil. Wang told Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar that China clearly opposes Israel's attack on Iran with military force in violation of international law.
In a call with Iran's foreign minister, Wang went further, condemning Israel for violating Iran's sovereignty and warning of the dangerous precedent set by targeting nuclear facilities. Jianlu Bi, a Beijing-based current affairs commentator, told TRT World that China has been consistent in opposing actions that exacerbate the conflict, calling for immediate measures to put the brakes on the conflict and cool down the tension.
Beijing has also moved to protect its citizens, evacuating hundreds from both Iran and Israel amid mounting security risks. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced that China has evacuated 791 citizens from Iran with the support of neighboring countries and is relocating over 1,000 more. Chinese embassies, including those in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, are assisting at border crossings, ensuring the safe evacuation from Israel as well.
While China has condemned the attacks and called for restraint, Tangen noted that Beijing is unlikely to move beyond diplomatic engagement for now, even if the US decides to join Israel in attacking Iran. Tangen emphasized that China will see a US-Israel strike on Iran as reckless escalation—a dangerous violation of the UN Charter. However, China does not want direct confrontation with the US and will continue urging de-escalation.
The escalating war threatens China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) ambitions in the region, with Tangen pointing out that conflict in the Middle East could severely setback China's westward trade plans. Bi added that China's calls for restraint and dialogue stem from both principle and pragmatism, emphasizing the direct impact of regional instability on global energy markets and supply chains vital for China's economic development.
China has positioned itself as a potential mediator in global conflicts, leveraging its success in brokering the Saudi-Iran rapprochement in March 2023. Although Wang Yi has offered China's help in facilitating dialogue, Tangen affirmed that meaningful progress toward peace may be elusive with the US and Israel intent on toppling the Iranian government. Bi emphasized the need for sustained and vigorous multilateral diplomacy, urging international actors to exert maximum pressure on both Israel and Iran to de-escalate.
Responding to speculation that China might use the crisis as cover for action on Taiwan, Tangen dismissed the idea, noting that Beijing's position remains unchanged. He emphasized that Taiwan's economy is deeply tied to the Chinese mainland, and China has no interest in forced reunification, although any move toward independence would prompt a swift Chinese response. Tangen concluded by criticizing the US for provoking global tensions while failing to offer a strategic endgame.