While the conflict between the US and Iran is going on—and Israel is also on the front lines—Chinese leaders, sitting comfortably in Beijing, are watching it all calmly. China is taking advantage of all this turmoil to strengthen its roots in the Middle East. A recent report suggests that, amid tensions involving Iran, China is quietly playing a bigger strategic game behind the scenes in the Middle East. The interesting thing is that neither America nor Israel has the slightest clue about this.
China’s strategy that is troubling America
China has adopted a new strategy, which the report describes as “encircling the encirclement”. America has more than 800 military bases around the world, through which it tries to surround China. China has responded to this not with direct military confrontation, but in its own unique way. It is gradually acquiring ports, developing infrastructure, and building military bases at strategic locations. Its bases in Djibouti and Cambodia are a direct result of this strategic thinking.
Why is China defending Iran?
Iran and China have a 25-year strategic partnership. However, China does not stand with Iran just because of friendship; Iran meets 20 percent of China’s total oil needs. If Iran succumbs to US pressure, China’s energy security will be seriously threatened. As a result, China wants to strengthen Iran—through economic and military aid—so that it can stand up to the United States. This strategy serves a dual purpose: on the one hand, it keeps the United States engaged in the Middle East; On the other hand, it helps China achieve its strategic goals.
China’s goal: to tire America in the Middle East
The report highlights an important point: China wants nothing more than to sink the United States further into the Middle East. As long as America’s attention, financial resources and military forces remain engaged in the Middle East, it will not be able to properly focus on the Asia-Pacific region. And this is precisely the area where China wants to strengthen its control over Taiwan and increase its influence in the Indian Ocean.
China’s invisible weapons
China’s strength does not lie only in its military power. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, it has brought dozens of countries into its economic fold. At forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, it gives political clout to countries like Iran. In this way—without firing a single shot—China pulls into its fold those countries that have complaints against America.
China keeps a close eye on American bases in Gulf countries
China has been keeping a close eye on American military bases in the Gulf countries for a long time. Ever since these bases have been attacked and American planes have been shot down, Beijing has started to feel that the strength of these bases is no longer what it used to be. Taking advantage of this opportunity, China is now presenting itself as an alternative. He is trying to convince the Gulf countries that America is not a reliable partner, whereas China can prove to be a better ally.
Why all this matters for India
This entire geopolitical maneuver is of great importance for India also. China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean, its increasing influence in the Middle East and its deepening relations with Iran—all these together pose a major challenge to India. India’s energy needs, trade routes and strategic interests—all are closely linked to the region. If China strengthens its position here, the geopolitical equations will become much more complicated for India.
