As conflict spirals between Israel and Iran following an unprecedented Israeli airstrike last week, China is positioning itself as a potential peace mediator, leveraging the moment to advance its global diplomatic ambitions and challenge U.S. dominance on the world stage.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate calls over the weekend with both Iranian and Israeli officials, during which he explicitly condemned Israel’s aerial attack as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests,” Wang said in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, according to a statement from Beijing.
In his conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Wang urged both sides to “resolve differences through dialogue” and pledged China’s willingness to “play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation.”
A Calculated Diplomatic Play
Beijing’s swift engagement marks a clear departure from its cautious approach in other global conflicts, such as its refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The stark contrast highlights China’s increasingly assertive foreign policy and its attempt to cast itself as a neutral, stabilizing force particularly in the Global South, where criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza has been vocal and widespread.
The latest Israeli strike, aimed at Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, was described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as necessary to “roll back” the Iranian threat. The days since have seen both sides engage in deadly exchanges, raising fears of a broader regional war that could draw in the United States.
Though Washington has thus far limited its role to assisting Israel’s defense, any further escalation could upend already fragile dynamics in the Middle East.
Beijing’s Strategic Interests
China has deep economic and energy interests in the region, with Iran being a major crude oil supplier albeit through informal channels due to U.S. sanctions. Chinese firms have also been sanctioned by Washington for their alleged role in facilitating Iran’s oil trade and providing materials critical for missile production.
Despite these links, analysts say China’s leverage over Iran remains limited, and its credibility as a broker while growing faces skepticism.
Still, Wang Yi’s diplomatic outreach reaffirms Beijing’s ambition to expand its footprint in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Just last year, China surprised the world by brokering a historic thaw between Iran and Saudi Arabia, once bitter rivals.
“China urges countries with influence over Israel to make concrete efforts to restore peace,” Wang added in remarks viewed as a thinly veiled jab at the United States, long Israel’s key ally and arms supplier.
Geopolitical Realignment
China’s engagement comes as geopolitical lines harden, with growing talk of a global bloc uniting China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea, a narrative U.S. lawmakers increasingly warn about.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, now a major Republican voice on global affairs, also commented on the crisis, suggesting over the weekend that Iran and Israel “will make a deal” and hinting that Vladimir Putin might play a mediation role.
“I would be open to it,” Trump said in a televised interview. “Putin is ready.”
While Trump did not elaborate, the suggestion underscores a possible shift in Washington’s strategic alignments, and further complicates international efforts to resolve the escalating conflict.
Despite China’s vocal offer to mediate, experts caution that regional dynamics along with the roles of the U.S., Russia, and Gulf states will ultimately determine whether diplomatic efforts succeed or fail.
Nonetheless, Beijing’s entry into the fray reflects a broader trend of global power decentralization, where multiple actors are vying for influence in traditionally U.S.-dominated arenas.
As casualties mount and tensions soar, the urgency for an effective peace initiative is growing but whether China, or any other player, can deliver meaningful de-escalation remains to be seen.
