Chinese President Xi Jinping refrained from condemning Iran’s missile and drone assault on Israel, positioning itself as a pivotal figure in the Middle East.
According to Chinese state media, the conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Monday portrayed the attack as an act of self-defense.
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Significantly, the statement made no explicit criticism of Iran’s Saturday assault on Israel.
This marked the first instance of Iran directly striking Israel, heightening concerns of a potential escalation in the region’s tensions.
Amir-Abdollahian purportedly justified Iran’s actions by referencing Israel’s April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, asserting Iran’s right to self-defense in response to sovereignty breaches.
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The readout stated, “China vehemently condemns and opposes the assault on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, deeming it a severe breach of international law and unacceptable.”
“China acknowledges Iran’s assertion that its response was proportionate and defensive following the attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria,” Wang remarked.
In a departure from its traditional non-interference stance, China is actively positioning itself as a mediator in Middle Eastern affairs.
Last year, China brokered a reconciliation between historical adversaries Iran and Saudi Arabia, showcasing its diplomatic assertiveness.
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Analysts speculate that China’s primary objective in the region is to counterbalance US influence. It has openly criticized Israel’s Gaza campaign, forging closer ties with Iran, a US adversary.
Moreover, China, a significant importer of Iranian oil, expressed intentions to strengthen its relations with Iran following talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Beijing last year.
The suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate on April 1 resulted in seven fatalities, including high-ranking Iranian officials, raising fears of confrontation between Israel and Iran.
While historically engaged in proxy conflicts, tensions between Iran and Israel have surged, particularly after the October terrorist attacks by Hamas and subsequent Israeli actions in Gaza.
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While Western leaders condemned Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, they urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exhibit restraint in his response. The US is seeking China’s assistance in preventing a broader regional conflict, according to the State Department.
In its statement, China commended Iran for its measured response to the Israeli embassy attack.
“China values Iran’s commitment to avoiding harm to regional and neighboring nations, as well as its dedication to fostering amicable relations,” Wang affirmed in the readout.