Gulf states find China's influence limited in curbing Iran

With the escalation of the Iran war, Gulf Arab states that have turned to China rather than the US for the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are finding Beijing's influence over Tehran insufficient. While China says it is not ready to use military force, the US intervention brings superpower rivalry to the forefront.

Scraper SystemJuly 30, 2026, 09:17 PM

Gulf states find China's influence limited in curbing Iran

As Iran and its allies threaten the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb in the Red Sea, Gulf Arab countries have come to rely on Beijing's economic influence rather than Washington's for the security of these critical waterways. According to a Reuters report based on regional sources, this is testing China's willingness and ability to curb Tehran.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held dozens of phone calls and meetings in search of a new ceasefire, while special envoy Zhai Jun made contacts in Gulf capitals and Tehran. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that they maintain close communication with all parties and are working to stop the conflicts.

China's influence constrained by superpower rivalry

Although China is a major oil buyer from both the Gulf and Iran and Tehran's largest trading partner, it avoids openly questioning the threats to maritime shipping. A Gulf source said, 'The Chinese are trying to get more involved, but it has turned out they are not as effective as we thought,' and added: 'When America steps in, superpower calculations take precedence over everything.'

Henry Tugendhat, a China expert at the Washington Institute, stated that Beijing's top priority is to preserve all relationships in the region rather than risk openly taking sides. He said that after the US became directly involved, China's calculations extended beyond the Gulf to include its broader rivalry with Washington.

A source familiar with the talks with China said, 'Gulf governments can buy Chinese technology and investment, but what they cannot buy is a Chinese influence that operates independently of their relationship with Washington.'

Diplomacy and bilateral arrangements take center stage

China mediated a diplomatic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, but that process is now being tested. At the same time, it held direct talks with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen to allow its tankers to pass through the southern Red Sea without being attacked. Six sources close to the matter confirmed this information this week.

Anna Borshchevskaya of the Washington Institute said that narrow bilateral arrangements protecting China-linked maritime shipping are the only visible result so far. Borshchevskaya argued that the war allows China to protect its own interests while increasing voter pressure on US and European leaders through rising energy prices.

Unlike the US, China has no defense commitment in the Gulf or appetite to use military force to protect regional waterways. Beijing states that it is not ready to use military force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and instead calls for diplomacy and dialogue for the security of international sea lanes.

Gulf states find China's influence limited in curbing Iran