How China's patient diplomacy can help secure peace in Iran
China's diplomacy, backed by leverage and guarantees of assistance, could provide a template for contemporary conflicts where a single side cannot carry the day
Quick Look
- China is actively mediating in the Iran crisis through diplomatic engagements with regional leaders, having made 26 phone calls and multiple envoy visits.
- The article argues China's four-point peace proposal and its economic interests in Middle East oil (49.4% of crude imports) position it uniquely to help de-escalate tensions and stabilize the Strait of Hormuz.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Iran crisis has created significant tensions in the Middle East, with the Strait of Hormuz closure affecting global oil supplies. The US and Iran held talks in Islamabad but failed to achieve a breakthrough. China, as the world's largest oil importer, has substantial economic interests in de-escalating the conflict.
The Iran crisis loomed large in discussions when Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met President Xi Jinping on separate visits to Beijing last week. Both meetings focused on the need for a comprehensive and sustainable security architecture for the Middle East. This week, on a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Xi reiterated China's support for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and for any disputes to be resolved through diplomacy.
China, a long-time peace advocate in global politics, has advanced a four-point proposal for maintaining peace. The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough. It is clear neither side can impose its preferred outcome through sheer force.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz affects everyone, with delays in its reopening increasing the pain even for those living well outside the conflict zone. This includes China, which sources 49.4 per cent of its crude and refined oil from the Middle East. Reopening and stabilising this corridor is therefore not only in China's interest. It would help major Asian importers, reduce pressure on Europe's energy markets and ease inflationary strain far beyond the region. On this point, de-escalation is not a favour to one side; it is a genuinely shared interest.
Beijing has not stayed on the sidelines during this conflict. Beyond Xi's meetings with leaders from Spain and the United Arab Emirates, Foreign Minister Wang Yi had made 26 phone calls with counterparts from relevant countries. China's special envoy on Middle East affairs Zhai Jun has made several stops around the Gulf and the wider region.
Open Questions
- Will Iran accept China's four-point peace proposal?
- Can China bridge the gap between US and Iran positions?
- What guarantees can China offer to both sides?
