Can China Restrain Iran? Gulf States Test Beijing's Influence

Can China Restrain Iran? Gulf States Test Beijing's Influence

As the Iran war escalates again, Gulf Arab states are looking to China - not Washington - to use its economic leverage over Iran to open up the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, testing how far Beijing is able and willing to pressurise Tehran. The Gulf push for a bigger Chinese role is driven by growing frustration, Gulf sources say. The war launched with U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 has hurt their regional foe but also raised concerns about China's influence in the region.