The Take Why China’s citizens are rooting for Iran in the US-Israel war
36 snips
Mar 12, 2026 Katrina Yu, Al Jazeera correspondent in Beijing who covers China’s foreign and economic policy, unpacks how the US-Israel war hits China’s energy lifelines. She explores domestic price and manufacturing impacts. She outlines Beijing’s quiet diplomacy, limits on military action, and how the crisis could shift trade ties and summit dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
China Balances Rhetoric With Energy Pragmatism
- China combines strong public condemnation of the U.S. and Israel with pragmatic moves to protect its energy supply.
- Beijing ordered refiners to halt gasoline and diesel exports, lifted petrol price caps, and sought Iranian assurances for Strait of Hormuz transit.
Price Spike And Manufacturing Strain Appear First
- Early domestic impacts include an immediate nationwide petrol price rise of about 8 percent and manufacturing disruptions in petrochemical sectors.
- China still has roughly 100 days of crude stockpile but some petrochemical plants suspended operations fearing supply shortages.
Back-Channel Diplomacy Is Beijing's Primary Tool
- China is pursuing back-channel diplomacy to push for de-escalation while protecting global economic stability.
- Beijing dispatched special envoy Zhai Jun and Wang Yi has been making numerous calls to Gulf and other foreign ministers.