The push for conflict with Iran wasn't just about nuclear threats but a calculated move. By controlling the Strait of Hormuz, the US could cut off China's primary oil source, forcing them into economic concessions and shoring up the US dollar.

The recent conflicts in Iran and Venezuela can be framed as a covert economic war against China. Since China buys 90% of Iran's oil and relies on Venezuela's supply, US actions disrupting these nations directly target China's energy security and serve as a tool of economic containment.

Despite rhetoric about a new global axis, the China-Iran relationship is highly asymmetric. Iran sells over 80% of its crude to China, but this is only about 10% of China's supply. This dependency gives China leverage to remain uninvested in Iran's political survival, viewing it as a useful but disposable partner.

The move against Iran is not just a regional conflict but part of a grand strategy to disrupt the China-Russia-Iran-North Korea axis. By attempting to cut off China's access to cheap oil from Iran and Venezuela, the goal is to weaken China’s economic rise, even at the risk of global instability.

China intentionally avoids costly political and military entanglements, even where it has significant energy interests. It allows rivals like the US to bear the costs of conflict, then pragmatically engages with whomever is in power for post-conflict reconstruction and economic opportunities, a "ruthlessly pragmatic" approach.

Unlike Western-style alliances, China’s numerous “strategic partnerships” are largely symbolic vehicles for securing economic interests, such as cheap oil from Iran. They lack mutual defense obligations, making North Korea the sole country with which China holds a formal defense treaty.

China is intentionally staying out of the military conflict between the U.S./Israel and Iran. Its primary goals are to safeguard commercial interests, ensure the flow of energy, and act as an observer, believing there are few gains and many dangers in direct military involvement.

Unlike the U.S., China avoids formal military alliances in the Middle East. It strategically maintains good relations with rival nations like Iran and Saudi Arabia simultaneously. This "tightrope" diplomacy allows China to protect its vast economic interests and position itself as a neutral mediator, without being drawn into regional conflicts.

China's extreme reliance on oil from Iran and Venezuela (20% of domestic consumption) makes it the party most hurt by the conflict. This gives the US leverage, pressuring Xi Jinping to negotiate a resolution to secure China's energy supply and stabilize its economy.