The UAE and Iran both claimed sovereignty over three islands in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to tensions between the two nations. Following a visit to Beijing by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Iran expressed displeasure over China’s neutral stance on the issue.
Despite Tehran’s pressure, China reiterated its call for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Iran maintains its non-negotiable claim while the UAE seeks international support to challenge Iran’s control. This issue has strained Sino-Iran relations.
China’s neutral stance stems from its role as a peace broker in the Middle East but has faced criticism from those involved. China’s stance indicates a shift in its traditional non-interference policy towards the region, prioritizing the Gulf as a key area for diplomatic engagement.
Iran, heavily impacted by US sanctions, has been more active in multilateral platforms led by China, highlighting the complex power dynamics at play in the region.