Hong Kong, China – In a move that underscores their geopolitical alignment, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have presented a united front in response to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. The two leaders, during a phone call on Thursday, positioned themselves as advocates for de-escalation amid the United States' considerations of joining Israel in military actions against Iran. President Donald Trump is currently deliberating over the potential involvement of the U.S. in support of Israel, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify.
In the call, both Xi and Putin criticized Israel's actions, with the Kremlin describing them as violations of the UN Charter and international law. However, Beijing's account of the conversation struck a slightly different tone, with Xi stopping short of a direct condemnation of Israel. Instead, he urged all parties, particularly Israel, to cease hostilities to prevent further regional destabilization. Xi's remarks included an implicit admonition aimed at President Trump, advocating for "major powers" to work towards cooling tensions rather than exacerbating them.
China has historically accused the United States of fostering instability in the Middle East, a sentiment echoed by Chinese scholars who attribute the current crisis to President Trump's unpredictable foreign policy. Liu Zhongmin, a Middle East expert from the Shanghai International Studies University, criticized Trump's approach, suggesting it has damaged U.S. credibility and its capacity to deter adversaries in the region.
As discussions over potential U.S. involvement unfold, there is growing concern that America might be drawn into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East, despite previous intentions to pivot focus towards countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza already strain diplomatic and military resources.
China, for its part, has no interest in a war that might jeopardize the Iranian regime, a key ally and counterbalance to U.S. dominance in the region. Iran's strategic importance to China is underscored by their deepening bilateral ties and Iran's inclusion in China's Belt and Road Initiative. Furthermore, Beijing has sought to position itself as a peace broker, offering to mediate in the Israel-Iran conflict, although past efforts in similar roles have achieved limited success.
During the call, Xi proposed a four-point plan to ease tensions, which includes resolving the Iran nuclear issue through dialogue. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been actively engaging with counterparts in Iran, Israel, Egypt, and Oman, demonstrating Beijing's commitment to diplomatic efforts.
Despite its limited experience in Middle Eastern diplomacy, China's attempt to mediate the conflict, particularly at a time when U.S. global leadership faces increased scrutiny, represents a significant symbolic gesture. It highlights China's ambition to be seen as a voice of reason on the world stage, contrasting with the more interventionist approach historically favored by the United States.
