China Criticizes US Actions Amid Iran Conflict

On Saturday, China’s Defense Ministry accused the United States of being “addicted to war” following its attacks on Iran. Meanwhile, other Chinese government entities urged for an immediate ceasefire.

“The United States is addicted to war. We have been at war in all but 16 years of our more than 240-year history,” a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Defense remarked during a press conference in Beijing, with their comments circulating on social media accounts associated with the government.

The spokesperson also noted that “The United States has 800 overseas military bases in more than 80 countries and regions. The United States is the main cause of international disorder, global turmoil, and regional instability.”

Moreover, a Chinese Communist Party-affiliated publication suggested that the attacks on Iran were driven by “domestic political calculations,” theorizing that external conflicts could enhance domestic support for both President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a slightly less confrontational tone, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for an “immediate halt to military operations.” They expressed support for “Iran’s national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” urging the United States to “resume dialogue and negotiations” for peace in the Middle East.

Interestingly, representatives seemed unconcerned about Iran’s potential escalation of the conflict, even as it launched missile attacks against Gulf states. Beijing hasn’t reacted harshly to Iran’s increased aggression.

Although China doesn’t officially ally with Iran, it’s aiming for closer diplomatic and economic relations, particularly concerning oil supplies. Approximately a third of China’s oil comes through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint Iran has threatened to close in times of heightened tension.

In 2021, China signed a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement purportedly worth $400 billion, but actual progress on that front has been slow. China’s economic interests in the Gulf are now considered greater than its ties with Iran, as noted by Bloomberg News.

On Saturday morning, reports indicated that several oil tankers altered their routes away from the Strait of Hormuz, with some seeking refuge in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates or completely withdrawing from the area.