China’s Pragmatic Approach to the Middle East Crisis

In this paper, we discuss:

• China’s dual-track strategy of publicly neutral diplomacy while indirectly supporting Iran;
• A pragmatic approach focused on stability, energy security, and avoiding escalation;
• The economic and geopolitical risks the conflict poses to China’s growth and global positioning;
• China’s strategy of hedging, buffering, and signaling to manage competing interests;
• The limits of China’s “selective leadership” in shaping outcomes despite growing global influence.

Download PDF: China – April 2026