Echoing Moscow, Islamabad and Pyongyang, Beijing’s alignment with Tehran challenges its credibility as a neutral mediator
Though not directly involved, Beijing is far from a mere bystander. Its close ties with Russia, Iran, Pakistan and North Korea position it uncomfortably near the centre of global tensions, challenging its self-proclaimed role as a neutral mediator, testing its ability to balance geopolitics with domestic priorities, and highlighting the complexities facing a rising superpower.
China, which remains Iran’s largest energy buyer, reacted swiftly to Israel’s air strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets on Friday.
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