Russia and China Unite Against Israel's Actions
The call for de-escalation by Xi and Putin reflects a growing concern among international leaders about the potential for the conflict to escalate into a broader regional war. With China and Russia united in their opposition to Israel's actions, the stage is set for a potentially significant shift in the global balance of power.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have called for de-escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran, strongly condemning Israel's actions as a violation of international law. The two leaders believe that there is no military solution to the situation and advocate for a solution achieved through political and diplomatic means.
China has taken a strong stance on the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi calling Israel's strikes against Iran "unacceptable" and a "violation of international law." This prompted a response from India, an SCO member with strong arms-trading ties to Israel that was not consulted on the statement. China's response is stronger and more direct than its reaction to the Iran-Israel conflict last fall, reflecting its growing closeness to Iran in recent years.
However, China is unlikely to provide Iran with anything more than rhetorical support, despite its strong statement. China has to balance its relations with the US and is unlikely to get drawn further into Middle Eastern affairs. Russia, on the other hand, has offered to mediate the conflict, with Xi expressing support for the proposal. The leaders also commented on the friction between Western leaders at the recent G7 conference and plan to keep in close contact in the coming days as the crisis unfolds.
The situation remains complex, with multiple players involved and competing interests at stake. As the conflict continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how China and Russia will navigate their relationships with the US and other key players in the region. One thing is certain, however: the China-Russia alliance is poised to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the conflict.