Anushka Saxena
Since conflict broke out between Israel and Iran, countries around the world are calculating their options in the face of drastic spillovers. China, a party that considers itself a vital regional stakeholder and a peacemaker in the Middle East, is pursuing its own strategy – one which is primarily centered on preserving Chinese interests in the region. Even as China has expressed support for Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while condemning Israel and the US for attacking its nuclear facilities in blatant disregard for international law, Beijing’s main concerns revolve around two aspects.
The first, is narrative control surrounding American and Israeli bugles of victory vis-à-vis Iran, and expressing explicit support for the latter. Iran is seen as an ally and counterbalancer of Western influence, and so for China, aiding its position and reputation becomes essential. At the same time, Beijing hopes to achieve this without disrupting the possibility of peace and stability. The second, is the uncertainty around its own interests. There is a threat of trade disruptions following Iran’s claim that it will consider closing down the vital chokepoint that is the Strait of Hormuz. There is also the impact that continued missile strikes would have on Chinese citizens in Iran. Hence, Beijing must find ways to secure its position through diplomatic means, in the face of volatility.
Maintaining Support, Controlling Narratives, Playing Safe
As we speak, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh has arrived in Qingdao, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting. But regular diplomatic tête-à-tête between China and Iran has been underway for the past few weeks. A day after Israel launched its air attacks on Iran, on June 14, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. This was followed up with another phone call between Wang and Araghchi on the ten-day mark, on June 24. A day before that, on June 23, China’s Assistant FM Liu Bin met with Iranian Ambassador Ibrahim Fazli. That same courtesy was not extended to Israeli Ambassador to China Ibrahim Bey, even though both Bey and Fazli were presented their diplomatic credentials on the same day and at the same location.
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