While Beijing has long seen Tehran as a useful partner, the nation is not crucial to its Middle East strategy, analysts argue
While China has begun to put pressure on Iran to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, its statements have been carefully worded, experts say, showing how the prolonged conflict is testing Beijing’s relationship with Tehran.
He added that China hoped “peace and stability will be restored to the strait as soon as possible and navigation will resume”, while urging Iran to halt attacks on “relevant facilities” in the Persian Gulf and restore normal navigation.
These statements mark some of Beijing’s most direct public distancing from Iran’s retaliatory actions during the conflict. They show the delicate balance Beijing is striking between rhetorical solidarity with Tehran and its huge economic and energy interests in the region, according to observers.
Zhu Yongbiao, a Middle East expert and director of the Centre for Afghanistan Studies at Lanzhou University, said China’s position remained “consistent and coherent”, but Fu’s remarks underlined Beijing’s growing concerns about Iran’s behaviour.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
