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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A Chinese man, Zhang Kequn and his Kenyan associate, Charles Mwangi, have been charged by a court in Kenya for alleged involvement in illegal dealings of wildlife species.
China has announced it will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, as a widening conflict in the Middle East drives increasing civilian suffering and displacement across the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (17 March) announced that he is postponing a highly anticipated trip to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing the war with Iran as the main disruption to efforts to ease tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Morocco has been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and Senegal stripped of their title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow-covered mountainside on Wednesday (18 March) amid strong winds.
Iranian President Pezeshkian has confirmed the killing of intelligence minister Esmail Khatib calling it a "cowardly assassination", following reports that Israel carried out an overnight strike.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field without U.S. or Qatari involvement, and warned that any Iranian attack on Qatar would prompt massive retaliation. The comments come as regional tensions soar after Tehran fired missiles at Gulf energy sites.
When a NATO-led coalition helped to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi’s dictatorship in Libya in 2011, it looked like the sun had risen on a new era. But within years, the nation was gripped by a second civil war, declining living standards and collapsing institutions. Could Iran follow suit?
Türkiye’s ambassador to the United Nations, Ahmet Yildiz, has called for Syria to be shielded from the effects of the ongoing regional war, warning that instability could threaten the country’s recovery.
China’s military is preparing to hold talks with European Union and NATO officials in Brussels, as the ongoing conflict involving Iran begins to reshape the global security landscape and draw wider international attention.
As Afghans celebrate Eid, there is at least some relief, with Afghanistan and Pakistan pausing military operations following mediation by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye after weeks of tension.
Iran has executed three men convicted of killing two police officers during anti-government protests in January, according to state media. The men were executed in Qom, central Iran, on Thursday (19 March) after their sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court.
At least 18 people have died after floodwaters swept through the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi following heavy rainfall.
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