The article from Naftemporiki reflects on China's responses to the extension of the war in the Gulf region and how it positions itself as a defender of international law amid rising tensions. Official Chinese media depict the United States as a troublemaker, illustrating this assertion with a cartoon that portrays the U.S. as a devil igniting violence worldwide. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the attacks against Iran as 'unacceptable' and called for a ceasefire, which positions China favorably in the eyes of developing nations, often referred to as the 'Third World.'

However, the article raises the question of whether the war concerning Iran has direct implications for China itself. According to the Hualue Center for American Studies, a think tank closely aligned with the Chinese government, there are significant concerns that the strategic $400 billion deal between China and Iran, established in 2021, could be jeopardized if the Iranian regime were to collapse and be replaced by a pro-Western government. This potential shift could disrupt China's energy security, given that it relies on Iran for a major portion of its oil imports.

Moreover, the piece notes that China is currently purchasing 80% of Iran's oil exports, which contributes substantially to its energy needs, covering 13% of China's total imports through maritime routes. This heavy reliance on Iranian oil makes the country wary of the current geopolitical developments in the region and how they might affect its economic interests. The article ultimately poses an inquiry into the balance China must strike, emphasizing its strategic partnership with Iran amidst the volatility of the Gulf conflict, and what future scenarios might unfold for both nations.