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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U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar with the matter said. They were met by Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, according to three senior Iranian sources. Washington is escalating pressure in hopes of securing concessions in future negotiations.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 4th of September, covering the latest developments.
An Iranian tanker was hit by U.S. forces on Saturday near Iran's key oil export hub, Kharg Island, in the Gulf, the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim reported.
A unique architectural monument dating back to the 9th to 12th centuries has been discovered in the village of Gargara, in the Korez village commune in Dangara district in Tajikistan.
Japan and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime have launched a $9.4 million, two-year project across five Afghan provinces to help former poppy-growing families and expand drug prevention and treatment services.
For centuries, Lahore has been shaped by the people, cultures and empires that passed through it. Now, the Pakistani city is preparing to put that rich history before a wider regional audience.
Israel is ready to move Palestinians from Gaza as soon as the U.S. approves, the country’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said. He told a conference hosted by Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth on Wednesday that there was “no real solution” for Gaza without migration.
Flights between Central Asia and Russia have faced widespread disruption, with aircraft diverted, turned back or cancelled amid restrictions in Russian airspace and conflicting claims from Moscow and Kyiv over aviation safety.
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