Can China restrain Iran? Gulf states test Beijing's influence

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Can China restrain Iran? Gulf states test Beijing's influence

AI Summary

Gulf Arab states are turning to China, rather than the U.S., to leverage economic influence that may help ease tensions by opening key strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea amid escalating conflicts involving Iran.

By Samia Nakhoul and Timour Azhari BEIRUT/RIYADH, July 30 (Reuters) - As the Iran war escalates again, Gulf Arab states are looking to China - not Washington - to use its economic leverage over Iran to open up the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, testing how far Beijing is able and willing to pressurise Tehran.

World Security Politics Markets China influence Gulf states Iran conflict Strait of Hormuz Red Sea economic leverage

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