When Western allies reacted to the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Beijing’s response was measured.
The Chinese foreign ministry statement came seven hours after the operation began and contained just over 80 words, with the spokesperson saying Beijing is “highly concerned” while calling for “an immediate stop to the military actions.”
There was no mention of either the United States or Israel.
The statement was a “downgraded version” after multiple revisions, according to one insider familiar with the inner workings of Beijing’s diplomacy system. The highly muted tone was a reflection of shock, he and another said.
They said China’s authorities had misjudged the situation and dismissed chances of a U.S. military offensive, believing that any conflicts would stay on a rhetorical level and not touch Iran’s key power structure….
China Made ‘Serious Strategic Miscalculation’ on Iran, Insiders Say
