Neither China nor Russia will participate in the Middle East war. They did not initiate the conflict, but both stand to benefit from it. The war has boosted China’s exports, particularly new-energy products, which grew by more than 50% year on year, and refined petroleum products, whose export value increased by 24.7% year on year.
However, given China’s strong trade relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Iran, it may play a coordinating role.
The United States and Israel initiated the war and will likely find it difficult to disentangle themselves from it.
Europe, severely affected by surging energy prices, may be compelled to become involved.