The Iran War Is Reshaping the Persian Gulf. What Does China Do Now?

The war in Iran is reshaping the strategic landscape of the Persian Gulf, putting new pressure on China's relations with Iran and the Gulf Arab states. Beijing's response is exposing the tension between its deep economic interests in the region and its reluctance to assume a larger role in regional security.

Andrea Ghiselli, a lecturer at the University of Exeter, and Aaron Glasserman, a distinguished fellow at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University, join Eric to discuss their latest article in Foreign Affairs on why China will remain an influential economic actor in the region with only marginal geopolitical influence.

📌 Topics Covered in This Episode

⚔️ How the Iran War Is Reshaping the Persian Gulf

🇨🇳 China's Strategic Interests in Iran and the Gulf

🛡️ Why Beijing Is Reluctant to Take on a Larger Security Role

🇮🇷 The Limits of China's Influence Over Tehran

🌍 How Gulf States Are Reassessing Their Relationship With China

⚖️ The Gap Between China's Economic Power and Security Responsibilities

Show Notes:

Foreign Affairs: The Gulf's China Problem by Mohammed Alsudairi, Andrea Ghiselli, and Aaron Glasserman Reuters: Can China restrain Iran? Gulf states test Beijing's influence by Samia Nakhoul and Timour Azhari The Diplomat: The Iran-US War a Win for China? Not So Fast. by Wang Jin Join the Discussion:

X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander