Overview

• China has condemned Israel’s airstrikes but limited its support for Iran to diplomatic appeals and routine trade, avoiding weapons transfers.
• President Xi Jinping proposed a UN-backed four-point plan for a ceasefire and urged dialogue to prevent further regional escalation.
• Iranian oil shipments to China dropped to a three-month low in May amid fears of secondary sanctions and private refiners trimming purchases.
• President Trump has tasked his national security team with deciding on potential military action against Iran within a two-week window.
• Analysts say China’s neutral stance safeguards its energy security through the Strait of Hormuz and benefits from US preoccupation in the Middle East.