Why Is China so Concerned About Israel-Iran Tensions?

China expresses deep concerns about situation in Middle East following Israel's ground military operations in southern Lebanon and Iran's ballistic missile strikes on Israel

The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed deep concerns on Wednesday over the turmoil in the Middle East, stressing that China opposes the violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and opposes moves that fuel antagonism and escalate tensions. This statement follows Israel's launch of ground military operations in southern Lebanon on Tuesday and Iran's military strikes against Israeli territory early on Wednesday.

Why is China so concerned about Israel-Iran tensions?

China is closely watching whether Israel and Iran can broker a ceasefire. Beijing gets much of its crude oil imports from Iran through a "dark fleet" of vessels to evade American sanctions.

China's Xi Calls for De-Escalation Between Israel and Iran ‘as Soon as Possible’

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East “as soon as possible” and said China is “deeply worried as Israel’s military operation against Iran has caused a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East.” Xi, on a visit to the Kazakh capital Astana late Tuesday, added that China “opposes any actions that infringe upon sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of other countries.” He added tha…

China warns of ’spillover of war’ risk in Iran-Israel conflict

China urged Iran and Israel on Monday to de-escalate in order to prevent the "spillover" of their war, as fighting between the two foes raged for the 11th day. "The Chinese side urges the parties to the conflict to prevent the situation from escalating repeatedly, resolutely avoid the spillover of war, and return to the path of political resolution," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said. Aerial assaults raged between Iran and Israel early …