China’s Middle East Stance: Limited Support Amid Rising Tensions

After the recent conflict between Israel and Iran, China, despite its close ties with Tehran, took a cautious stance. Beijing’s response has highlighted the complexities of its global ambitions and the economic realities that shape its foreign policy decisions.

Initial Reactions and Limited Action

Following Israel’s attack on Iran, the Chinese government offered verbal condemnation. Xi Jinping conferred with the Russian leader, advocating for a ceasefire. Furthermore, China’s foreign minister engaged with his Iranian counterpart.

However, Beijing’s actions stopped there. Despite its aspirations for a more prominent global role, China did not provide Iran with any material backing. This decision underscored the limitations China faces in the Middle East.

“Beijing lacks both the diplomatic capabilities and the risk appetite to quickly intervene in, and to think it can successfully navigate, this fast-moving and volatile situation,”

—Jude Blanchette, Director of the China Research Center at RAND

Economic Interests Over Military Involvement

The Chinese government prioritizes its commercial interests in the region. The volatility in the Middle East conflicts with China’s economic goals. After the Iranian parliament raised the prospect of closing the Strait of Hormuz, China voiced opposition. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry stated, “China calls on the international community to step up efforts to de-escalate conflicts and prevent regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic development.”

After the announcement of a ceasefire, Donald Trump suggested the deal would allow China to keep purchasing oil from Iran. Approximately 80% to 90% of Iran’s oil exports have historically gone to China, a crucial supply for its industrial output.

Craig Singleton summarized China’s responses as “steady oil buys and ritual calls for ‘dialogue’”. He noted that China’s actions didn’t include military aid or emergency credit, but instead words “calibrated to placate Tehran without rattling Riyadh or inviting U.S. sanctions.”

China’s Balancing Act and Strategic Partnerships

Beijing, which facilitated a diplomatic agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023, has sided with Iran and called for dialogue. China, a permanent member of the Security Council, teamed up with Russia and Pakistan to propose a draft resolution condemning attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. However, the U.S. is almost certain to veto the proposal.

Following Israel’s strike, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, explicitly condemning Israel’s actions. Wang also said China was “ready to maintain communication with Iran and other relevant parties to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation.”

Wang also spoke with foreign ministers from Oman and Egypt, key regional mediators. Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to maintain close contact on the matter. While Iran is important to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the country is only part of Beijing’s larger calculus. A recent report stated that Beijing’s support for its partners is limited by its desire to avoid escalating tensions with the West.

In the first quarter of 2024, China’s imports of crude oil from Iran surged by 68% year-on-year, reaching 303,000 barrels per day, highlighting its continued reliance on Iranian oil despite geopolitical instability (Reuters).

China’s approach demonstrates a strategic balancing act. It aims to protect its economic interests while navigating the complicated politics of the Middle East, avoiding direct military involvement.