Research
June 8, 2026
China is benefiting from America’s setbacks in Iran by helping countries weather the energy crisis, strengthening its lead in clean energy technologies, and creating a narrative contrast between itself as a reliable steward of the international order and America’s recklessness.
The Iran war has provided China with a powerful propaganda tool to cast doubt on Washington’s capacity to uphold commitments to Taiwan and other Asian allies.
America has structural advantages vis-à-vis China, but it cannot translate them into effective global leadership without strategic discipline.
