Beijing: As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, with U.S. President Donald Trump demanding Tehran’s unconditional surrender and issuing stark threats against Iran’s leadership, China has stepped up its diplomatic efforts. Beijing 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 suggest that a collapse of the government in Tehran—an outcome many believe Israel, and possibly the U.S., ultimately seeks—would trigger regional chaos, disrupt vital energy supplies, and jeopardize Beijing’s extensive interests in the Middle East. Einar Tangen, senior fellow at the Beijing-based Taihe Institute, described the potential fall of the Iranian government as a nightmare scenario for China, emphasizing the risk of a large-scale conflict that is against China’s wishes.
Beijing has repeatedly denounced Israel’s actions, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi labeling Israel’s attacks as violations of international law. He has urged immediate measures to prevent escalation and emphasized the need to return to diplomacy. During discussions with both Israeli and Iranian officials, Wang condemned the violation of Iran’s sovereignty and warned against targeting nuclear facilities.
China has also taken measures to protect its citizens, evacuating hundreds from both Iran and Israel due to mounting security risks. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reported the evacuation of 791 citizens from Iran, with ongoing efforts to relocate over 1,000 more.
Despite China’s calls for restraint, Tangen noted that Beijing is unlikely to move beyond diplomatic engagement, even if the U.S. joins Israel in attacking Iran. He warned against the reckless escalation of a U.S.-Israel strike on Iran, which China views as a dangerous violation of the UN Charter.
The escalating conflict threatens China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) ambitions in the region. Tangen highlighted that while the BRI includes multiple corridors, conflict in the Middle East could severely impact China’s westward trade plans. The situation poses a direct threat to global energy markets and supply chains critical to China’s economic development.
China has positioned itself as a potential mediator in global conflicts, leveraging its success in facilitating the Saudi-Iran rapprochement earlier this year. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has offered China’s assistance in dialogue facilitation between Israel and Iran, emphasizing that force cannot bring lasting peace.
Tangen and other experts stress the need for sustained multilateral diplomacy to address the conflict’s unsustainable trajectory. They urge international actors to exert maximum pressure on both Israel and Iran to de-escalate the situation, advocating for robust negotiations and a firm rejection of violence as a political tool.
In response to speculation about China’s possible actions regarding Taiwan, Tangen dismissed the notion, reiterating that Taiwan is not a pressing focus for China. However, any move toward independence or deployment of missiles capable of striking Beijing would prompt a swift Chinese response, he warned.
Tangen criticized the U.S., particularly President Trump’s administration, for lacking a clear strategy, leaving global actors to manage the consequences of what he described as reckless behavior.