Wang Yi warns conflict could spread across the Persian Gulf; Analyst says Beijing fears Strait closure

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that the Middle East conflict could spread across the Persian Gulf after US and Israeli strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling the assassination of a sovereign leader unacceptable and warning the region risks falling into a dangerous spiral. NTU’s Assoc Prof Dylan Loh said oil supply disruptions are unlikely to affect China due to alternative sources severely but noted deeper concerns about Beijing’s standing. He pointed out that the deeper, longer-term issue may be growing doubts about China’s regional influence, adding that China’s inability to prevent the latest attack may undermine perceptions of its leadership in the region.

 Click here to read the article.