German media: China's relations with Iran and Israel
In March this year, a report broadcast by China National Television stated that China participated in military exercises in the southern waters of Iran. In addition to China and Iran, Russia also participated in this drill.
In recent years, the cooperative relationship between China and Iran has been continuously deepening. China not only promoted Iran, which is internationally isolated, to join the "BRICS countries", but also helped it join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The economic relations between the two countries are also developing continuously. China has become Iran's largest trading partner, expected to purchase about 90% of Iran's oil. In return, China provides commodities that other countries no longer export to this country sanctioned due to its nuclear program, such as automobiles, consumer goods, electronics - including "dual-use materials" that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Since the Hamas attack in October 2023 and Israel's military response to Gaza, the relationship between China and Israel has cooled down.
Iran-China relations expert Steinitzer said, "For China, Israel is part of the U.S.-led system, while China generally opposes this system. Before the outbreak of the Gaza War, the relationship between China and Israel was actually quite good, especially cooperation in the fields of technology and economy was strengthening. China also mentioned slightly in its statements that it was willing to play a mediating role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. But all of this came to an abrupt end after the outbreak of the Gaza War. From the very beginning, China clearly stood on the side of Palestine and opposed Israel."
Source: DW
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835475611849728/
Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views.