Mapping conflict between Israel and Iran
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As an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iran last week sparks a spiraling conflict between the two enemy states, China has seen an opportunity to cast itself as potential peace broker – and an alternative voice to the United States.
As Chinese diplomacy becomes increasingly active in the Middle East, Beijing – which buys 90% of Iran's exported oil – has continued to leave the role of regional policing to the US.
Chinese commentators have said that Iran might have fared better against Israeli strikes if had been equipped with Chinese weaponry
China suggested the US use its influence with Israel to stop the conflict with Iran from spilling over, a sign Beijing is becoming increasingly concerned about the stability of a region it relies on for energy supplies.
Rising tensions in the Middle East will accelerate natural gas negotiations between Russia and China, with a decision likely this year, the head of a think-tank that advises the Russian government on China told Reuters.
China is suffering a "terrible loss" in the Middle East and could convince some other party to "strike us," according to Gatestone Institute's Gordon Chang.
Both countries have closed their airspaces, leaving few options for citizens of other countries seeking to leave.
Chinese refineries have become hooked on cheap imports of sanctioned Iranian crude.