Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, speculation grows over possible US military involvement under President Donald Trump. In response, China and Russia have stepped forward with calls for restraint, seeking to position themselves as responsible global powers urging de-escalation.
According to a CNN analysis, during a recent phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both leaders subtly warned against escalating the conflict. The Kremlin’s official statement condemned Israel’s military actions as violations of international law and the UN Charter — a sharp critique, despite Russia’s own contentious role in Ukraine, which China notably avoids condemning.
China’s response was more measured. Xi Jinping urged all parties, especially Israel, to halt hostilities and prevent the conflict from spiraling into a wider regional crisis. In a veiled message to Washington, Xi emphasized the responsibility of “major powers” to stabilize, not exacerbate, tensions.
For years, China has accused the US of fostering instability in the Middle East. The current Iran crisis has provided Beijing with an opportunity to amplify this narrative. Liu Zhongmin, a Middle East expert from Shanghai International Studies University, described Trump’s foreign policy as chaotic and transactional, arguing that it has weakened US influence and credibility in the region.
Chinese social media commentators have similarly warned that Trump risks drawing the US into another prolonged Middle Eastern conflict — contradicting his earlier promises to pivot focus away from the region in favor of China.
Strategically, China views Iran as a key partner and counterbalance to US dominance. Iran’s location and oil reserves are crucial for Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, especially given its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz and Gwadar port in Pakistan.
In recent years, China has strengthened ties with Iran through trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation. It has welcomed Iran into multilateral groups like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, both alternatives to Western-led institutions.
In 2023, China helped restore diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran — signaling its ambitions to act as a regional mediator. Now, Beijing has again offered to mediate the current crisis, proposing steps including renewed dialogue on Iran’s nuclear program and greater protection for civilians.
Xi’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, has engaged with officials from Iran, Israel, Egypt, and Oman, showcasing China’s diplomatic outreach. However, Beijing’s actual influence in the Middle East remains limited. Previous mediation efforts in Gaza yielded little progress, and China lacks deep political or military ties in the region.
Even in Ukraine, where China holds significant leverage over Moscow, Beijing has remained diplomatically protective of Russia while projecting neutrality — illustrating a strategic balance aimed at bolstering its global image as a peace advocate while aligning with partners opposing Western influence.
While China’s ability to mediate effectively between Israel and Iran is uncertain, its public calls for restraint may resonate strongly in the Global South, where skepticism toward American leadership is growing. By appearing as a voice of reason, China could gain a symbolic diplomatic advantage amid shifting global power dynamics.