China's Strategic Calculus in the Iran Conflict (legrandcontinent.eu)

• Tension between oil security and export-driven growth targets
• Shift toward active diplomatic alignment with Moscow
• Impact of maritime blockades on East Asian economic stability

"Beijing faces mounting pressure to shift from its neutral stance on the Iran conflict as regional turbulence threatens its economic stability. While China remains insulated from immediate energy shocks as the top buyer of Iranian oil, the broader global economic slowdown risks jeopardizing its 4.5% to 5% growth target. High-level meetings between Chinese and Russian leadership highlight a push for bloc security. The combination of US blockade policies and a prolonged conflict is forcing China to evaluate a more interventionist posture to safeguard its critical supply chains and international economic interests."