China’s initial posture following Hamas’ surprise terrorist attack in Israel on October 7 reflected a familiar strategy of minimizing risk by avoiding involvement and any sharp public statements. Notably, China has not specifically condemned Hamas’ October 7 actions, but has condemned condemned violence against civilians and called for restraint by “all parties.”
In response to Israeli complaints, Foreign Minister Wang Yi acknowledged that all countries have a “right to self-defense” during his October 23 phone call with his Israeli counterpart. On the same day, however, Wang told his Palestinian counterpart that China “deeply sympathizes with the difficult situation of the Palestinian side, especially the people of Gaza.”
China has a clear interest in avoiding a wider, regional conflict that could disrupt global commerce, particularly access to energy. A wider conflict may push Beijing toward heightened engagement, despite historical reluctance. As world attention focuses on an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza – with a likely rise in global public criticism of Israel – The Asia Group will be closely watching if Beijing opts for more activist rhetoric and actions to erode U.S. standing on the international stage and in key regions of competition, such as Southeast Asia and the wider Global South.
The report, by Colonel Shailender Arya and Anshita Shukla, speaks of an increase in demand for weaponry as conflicts, the ...
Scroll to Top
You Are Applying For:
China’s Calculus on the Middle East Crisis
Apply Now
Submit the details below, and our HR team member will get in touch with you shortly.
The Asia Group is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law. The Asia Group continually seeks to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the strategic advisory profession.
Media
Commentary
China’s Calculus on the Middle East Crisis
China’s initial posture following Hamas’ surprise terrorist attack in Israel on October 7 reflected a familiar strategy of minimizing risk by avoiding involvement and any sharp public statements. Notably, China has not specifically condemned Hamas’ October 7 actions, but has condemned condemned violence against civilians and called for restraint by “all parties.”
In response to Israeli complaints, Foreign Minister Wang Yi acknowledged that all countries have a “right to self-defense” during his October 23 phone call with his Israeli counterpart. On the same day, however, Wang told his Palestinian counterpart that China “deeply sympathizes with the difficult situation of the Palestinian side, especially the people of Gaza.”
China has a clear interest in avoiding a wider, regional conflict that could disrupt global commerce, particularly access to energy. A wider conflict may push Beijing toward heightened engagement, despite historical reluctance. As world attention focuses on an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza – with a likely rise in global public criticism of Israel – The Asia Group will be closely watching if Beijing opts for more activist rhetoric and actions to erode U.S. standing on the international stage and in key regions of competition, such as Southeast Asia and the wider Global South.
Listen on:
Related Posts
Ashok Malik in AP News about India’s election: ‘The victory renews Modi’s and NDA’s political capital’
George Chen speaks on Xpeng’s global transformation in CNBC
Ashok Malik talks US-India relations in GZERO Media
Shailender Arya and Anshita Shukla credited in Times Now as co-authors of SIDM report