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.
“Beijing effectively drew a bright red line that Chinese AI talent and technology are not for sale to American companies, ...
Kurt Tong in Politico: ‘A lot of JFapanese view the Iran conflict as U.S. attention drifting away from their concerns about China and drifting back towards the Middle East’
“A lot of Japanese view the Iran conflict as U.S. attention drifting away from their concerns about China and drifting ...
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
Expert Corner: UAE’s exit from OPEC is a turning point for the Gulf and energy markets
Han Lin in the Wall Street Jounral on China’s ban of Meta-Manus deal
Han Lin in Reuters on blocking of Meta’s AI start-up buy raising risk for China tech deals
Kurt Tong in Politico: ‘A lot of JFapanese view the Iran conflict as U.S. attention drifting away from their concerns about China and drifting back towards the Middle East’