Several Gulf nations have privately expressed dissatisfaction with China’s handling of the security crisis in West Asia. While Beijing has consistently called for restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation during recent tensions, countries facing missile attacks and security threats linked to Iran question China’s neutrality. China’s ability to engage with various regional actors has been tested by the recent crisis involving Iran, Israel, and Arab states, revealing the challenges in maintaining a balanced approach. The report highlights the dilemma China faces in balancing relations with Tehran and Arab Gulf states amid its expanding regional influence.
China’s reluctance to support initiatives criticizing Iranian actions in multilateral forums has strained its relations with Gulf nations. Some policymakers in the Gulf perceive Beijing’s diplomatic balance as shifting when Iran is involved, impacting the trust cultivated over the years. The postponement of the China-Arab States Summit has sparked discussions on diverging expectations between the parties. Arab states increasingly seek a more politically responsible role from China, while China prefers to remain an economic partner rather than getting involved in regional security disputes.
