The war in the Middle East is exposing deeper tensions between the United States and China, particularly over control of global energy routes. As the Strait of Hormuz becomes a focal point, both powers are revealing sharply contrasting strategic priorities.
Washington has pushed for an international naval coalition to secure the passage, framing it as a shared global responsibility. Beijing, however, has adopted a more cautious stance, refusing to deploy warships and instead calling for an immediate halt to military operations.
China has extended emergency aid to Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq as the conflict worsens, while Beijing and Moscow have called for talks amid rising tensions.
Speaking to AnewZ, Andrew Leung, an international and independent China strategist, stressed Beijing’s position: “This war is not China’s war… China wants to keep the oil flowing, does not want the region destabilised, but it is not sufficient to coerce China into becoming involved.”
Leung noted that China’s energy imports are diversified and that Beijing prefers diplomacy and stability over military involvement. He also highlighted broader geopolitical calculations, arguing that China is focused on protecting its economic interests rather than aligning with U.S.-led military efforts.
Experts underline the long-standing complexities of bilateral ties, with one noting that “the relationship between the United States and China has had many ups and downs”, shaped by disputes over trade, technology and regional influence.
Professor Ivani Vassoler added that the conflict has also affected President Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, explaining that the trip was postponed because of “events in the Middle East, particularly the war on Iran”, illustrating how immediate crises intersect with long-term diplomatic priorities.
As the conflict continues, both countries are walking a fine line, balancing strategic interests, global responsibilities and the risks of deeper confrontation. The crisis is no longer just about the Middle East, but also reflects a broader power struggle between Washington and Beijing.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 24th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. strikes on Iran entered a 12th consecutive night, while Yemen's Houthis said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, urging President Donald Trump to warn Tehran it would be held responsible for any future Houthi attacks.
The U.S. military said it completed a fresh wave of strikes on Iran late on Thursday, marking the 13th consecutive night of American attacks. The latest operation lasted more than two hours, according to U.S. Central Command.
Spain has declared a national emergency and evacuated more than 10,000 people after uncontrolled wildfires reached the outskirts of Madrid. Emergency crews have rescued residents as multiple blazes continue to spread across the region.
Six candidates vying to become the next United Nations Secretary-General have called for restoring the organisation's credibility, strengthening multilateralism and reforming the UN, during the first public town hall debate ahead of a decisive Security Council vote next week.
A new state agency wants the world to take Georgian food as seriously as Georgians already do.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have signed regional and commercial agreements worth more than 80 billion tenge ($146 million). The deals aim to expand cooperation between the two Central Asian neighbors in trade, transport, industry and cross-border development.
UN Secretary General António Guterres arrived in Damascus on Saturday for the first trip to Syria by a serving United Nations' chief since 2009, before the start of a civil war that killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions.
More than 100 Afghan business representatives travelled to Uzbekistan this week for a business forum aimed at expanding trade and investment, as Uzbek investors also expressed interest in Afghanistan’s mining sector.
Kazakhstan's grain sector faces a difficult season as drought reduces harvest prospects while mounting security risks in the Black Sea threaten to redirect cheaper Russian grain into Central Asian markets.
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