Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran as illegal [1, 2].
The joint declaration signals a deepening strategic alignment between Beijing and Moscow as they challenge Western military interventions in the Middle East. By highlighting the risks to maritime corridors, China is positioning itself as a defender of global economic stability against regional volatility.
The statement, released during a press briefing in Beijing, focused on the potential for economic fallout. Xi Jinping said, "The United States and Israel's strikes on Iran are illegal and pose a serious threat to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz" [1].
Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a non-military resolution. Putin said, "We will continue to support diplomatic solutions and oppose any actions that could destabilise global trade" [1].
While the joint statement was confrontational, other Chinese officials suggested a more flexible diplomatic approach. In a televised interview in Beijing, Xi Jinping said, "China is prepared to work with all parties to de‑escalate the situation and protect the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz" [2].
This dual approach allows China to maintain a strong alliance with Russia while keeping a door open for mediation with the U.S. The central concern for Beijing remains the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for energy shipments and international shipping [1, 2].
“"The United States and Israel's strikes on Iran are illegal"”
This development reflects China's attempt to balance its role as a global economic power with its strategic partnership with Russia. By framing the conflict around the legality of the strikes and the threat to the Strait of Hormuz, China shifts the narrative from political ideology to economic security, providing a justification for its intervention as a mediator to protect international trade routes.
