Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, China issued a strong warning against any military adventure against Iran, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue. This stance came at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran reached a peak during the administration of former US President Donald Trump, who intensified his military rhetoric against Tehran.
During a session of the UN Security Council, China's ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, reiterated Beijing's principled stance, stating: "The use of force cannot solve problems, and any military adventure will only push the region toward the abyss of the unknown." This statement reflects widespread international concern about the repercussions of any military confrontation in a strategic and vital region for the entire world.
Background to the tension: From the nuclear agreement to the policy of maximum pressure
The roots of the current crisis lie in US President Donald Trump’s 2018 decision to unilaterally withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), signed in 2015 between Iran and world powers (the United States, Britain, France, China, Russia, and Germany). Following the withdrawal, Washington reimposed crippling economic sanctions on Tehran as part of what it called a “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at forcing Iran to renegotiate a new agreement on US terms. This approach led to a rapid deterioration in relations and an increase in military incidents in the Gulf, including attacks on oil tankers and the downing of a US drone.
The importance of the Chinese position and its potential impact
China’s position cannot be separated from its deep strategic and economic interests in the region. China is one of the world’s largest oil importers, and the Middle East is its primary supplier. Any military conflict that threatens the stability of energy supplies through the vital Strait of Hormuz would directly impact its economy. Furthermore, Iran is a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a massive global infrastructure project. Internationally, as a global power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China seeks to strengthen its role as a diplomatic mediator, advocating for the principles of peaceful conflict resolution and multipolarity, in contrast to what it perceives as unilateral policies by the United States. Therefore, its warning is not merely a call for peace, but also a reaffirmation of its vision for a more balanced and stable world order.
