Too economically dependent on Iranian oil, the Middle Kingdom won’t let the Hebrew state bomb Iran for long, any more than it will let Israel take over Gaza.
Israel continues to bomb Iranian military sites on the third day of a war aimed at preventing the Mullahs’ regime from gaining access to the atomic bomb. The strikes have killed over 300 Iranians and wounded more than a thousand. Senior officials of the regime were killed, as well as scientists working on the nuclear program.
Iran retaliated with a series of drone and ballistic missile strikes on Israel, killing 13 people and causing extensive material damage.
Public outcry
We have already mentioned the far-reaching consequences of this war between Israel and Iran. It is destabilizing the entire Middle East, and risks sending shockwaves through the world economy. Particularly if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States and the rest of the Western world, caught off guard, are paying only lip service to this blatant aggression against a sovereign country on the eve of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. All the more so as international public opinion is accusing Israel of deliberately provoking a veritable genocide of the Gazans.
Numerous demonstrations took place this Sunday in major capitals.
China won’t let it happen
Rather discreet until now, China is beginning to raise its voice.
Spokesman Guo Jiakun recently stated that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people. It is an inalienable part of the territory of Palestine, not a bargaining chip for political games, and even less a prey for the strongest. “China strongly supports the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people” and, believes that “Palestinians rule Palestine” is an important principle that must be respected in Gaza’s post-conflict governance, and opposes the forced displacement of Gaza’s population“.
A few months ago, Beijing reaffirmed its unwavering support for Teheran. “Whatever happens in the international and regional situation, China will always be a trustworthy partner for Iran,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, as reported on Wednesday by state broadcaster CCTV.
“China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national dignity,” added Wang Yi, adding that his country “will oppose” those who “interfere in Iran’s internal affairs and impose sanctions”.
The message could not be clearer.
Hatred of the West
China shares with Iran, and more generally with the countries of the Global South, a long-standing enmity with the arrogant, domineering West. But its economy is highly dependent on Iran for its oil. Even under international sanctions, China has continued to import Iranian oil via indirect channels.
Since the 2010s, China has invested massively in Iranian infrastructure (transport, energy, telecoms) and signed strategic cooperation agreements (2021). A 25-year partnership has been signed, providing for up to $400 billion in Chinese investment in exchange for stable energy supplies.
Trade between the two countries is significant. Products traded: oil, gas, chemicals, machine tools, textiles, consumer goods, electronic equipment.
Diplomatic relations
China also supports Iran within international institutions, notably the UN Security Council, calling for the lifting of US sanctions and compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on nuclear issues.
In 2023, Iran officially joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), led by China and Russia.
China advocates Iran’s integration into a multipolar world order.
As for military ties, they are discreet but real: joint naval exercises (China-Iran-Russia), cooperation in cybersecurity. China is said to have helped Iran develop certain ballistic missile and electronic defense capabilities, despite the embargoes.
Both countries present themselves as players opposed to American hegemony. Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Iran plays a key role as a logistics bridge between Asia and Europe.
It’s easy to see why China won’t let Israel destroy Iran the way it destroyed Gaza.