The country that was perhaps Tehran’s most important diplomatic and economic partner wound up playing virtually no role when Iran and Israel came to blows. This, despite the fact that Beijing has actively sought stronger relations with many countries in the Middle East—not just Iran but also Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—and despite China’s evident stake in promoting stability in a region that supplies more than half of its oil imports.
So why didn’t China step up?
Beijing did make some effort to assert its influence. In mid-June, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a four-point plan, calling for a cease-fire and negotiations to contend with Iran’s nuclear program, and offering to play a “constructive role” in restoring peace. But Xi’s proposal went nowhere. He couldn’t bring the belligerents to the table—especially not Israel.
