China-Israel relations

From Syria to Turkiye and Egypt to Israel, how is China navigating the web of very complex relations in the region?

As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has spiraled into a renewed and devastating phase, Beijing’s early assertive role appears to have diminished.

On Chinese social media, some want Iran to go nuclear – but others think it should learn from China’s “reform and opening.”

Iran experiences diplomatic distancing with Chinese characteristics.

China gravely miscalculated the effect of its one-sided approach to the ongoing conflict on Israel. Now it may be too late for Beijing to make amends.

China has long enjoyed cordial relations with Israel, Iran, and the Arab states. That balance is more and more difficult to sustain.

Insights from Yoram Evron.

The Beijing Declaration should be viewed as evidence of China’s increasing eagerness to position itself as a prominent mediator in West Asian affairs.

Official relations and public perceptions have both taken huge damage since the October 7 attack by Hamas and Israel’s massive military deployment in Gaza.

Platforms for the Global South, like BRICS, have stepped up their rhetoric. But don’t overestimate what they can – and are willing to – do. 

As war returns to the Middle East, what are the implications for the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China?

While it remains to be seen how the Israel-Hamas war unfolds, it has already shown the nature of the Sino-Israeli relationship and where China’s interests lie.