China and the Iran-Saudi deal

New Delhi needs to assess if China’s growing involvement in the Gulf is detrimental to its long-term security interests and the regional balance of power.

China's brokering of the Iran-Saudi Arabia agreement advances several diplomatic priorities for Beijing.

Beijing prefers to lead from behind, engaging in “quasi-mediation” on diplomatic processes that are already in motion.

As Iran’s neighbor, Saudi Arabia’s partner, and China’s key ally, Pakistan will see major benefits from the recent diplomatic breakthrough.

When it was clear that an agreement was possible to finalize the détente, China took the mantle of responsibility and the role of a direct mediator.