The Israel-Iran War Exposes Beijing’s Limited Strategic Flexibility (Soufan Center)

The outbreak of war between Israel and Iran presents a profound geopolitical test for the People’s Republic of China (PRC), exposing the structural limits of Beijing’s ambitions in the Middle East and its global strategy. Given its interests, many expected China to assume a more forceful political stance in defense of Iranian sovereignty, yet thus far, Beijing has opted for restraint. China’s military cooperation with Iran remains limited and largely symbolic. The conflict between Israel and Iran is a stark reminder of the geopolitical constraints that China faces despite its growing global footprint.

The Israel-Iran War Exposes Beijing’s Limited Strategic Flexibility – The Soufan Center