The Korea Times
NEW YORK—In the past, the conventional wisdom was that a major conflict in the oil-producing heart of the Middle East could badly destabilize China, the world’s leading oil importer. Yet so far, China is weathering the US/Israeli war with Iran better than many of its neighbors and treading a cautious path as opportunities to profit from the fallout emerge. Chinese President Xi Jinping has now watched both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump launch wars against overmatched opponents, only to face unwelcome surprises. Meanwhile, he has avoided unnecessary risks in positioning China for long-term strength and stability, acting cautiously in his responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s structural economic weaknesses. Likewise, Xi proved unwilling to support Russia’s war in Ukraine directly or even to recognize Putin’s territorial claims. Now he is refraining from openly criticizing the U.S. bombing campaign in Iran. The invitation remains open for Trump to visit Beijing next month. Nor is China as damaged by this war, and the massing of firepower
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