Why the US-Iran war is working in China’s favour
The article argues that Beijing benefits from the US-Iran conflict because it diverts Washington's attention and resources while China expands its strength and presents itself as a rule-abiding superpower. It states that China has reportedly provided satellite imagery to Iran for targeting US bases and supplied shipments with dual-use components Iran could use for missiles and drones. It adds that China is a far larger investor and energy partner in the Arab Gulf states than in Iran, and that it accumulated large strategic oil stocks last year which it has been drawing down since the war began.
Why it matters: The conflict bears directly on energy security, since China's strategic stocks, pipeline imports from Russia and Central Asia, and renewable and nuclear capacity limit its exposure to disruption of Gulf oil and gas flows.