China was invited to the Paris Hormuz conference while the US was not. Beijing is positioning itself as a key mediator in the Iran war, with energy security and strategic interests driving its involvement.
US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the Strait of Hormuz will be permanently reopened following direct negotiations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who committed China to halting weapons shipments to Iran.
Trump considers limited strikes on Iran, 158 Iranian naval vessels destroyed, and Israel-Lebanon negotiations begin in Washington as the Strait of Hormuz blockade reshapes global oil markets.
Russia resumed offensive operations after the Easter ceasefire expired, striking Sumy with Iskander missiles and launching large-scale drone attacks in northern Ukraine as diplomatic shifts reshape the European landscape.
Small independent refineries in Shandong province — known as teapots — have given China a flexible buffer against the Iran war oil disruption, processing discounted Iranian and Russian crude outside mainstream channels.
Pakistan's foreign minister visits China seeking to draw Beijing into a more active role in mediating the US-Iran war, as five principles for potential talks take shape after the Islamabad quadrilateral meeting.
Beijing's expansive maritime claims face resistance from Philippines, Vietnam, and international partners
Annual threat assessment finds Beijing prefers peaceful unification as Taiwan defense spending debate continues and military confidence wavers
Evidence mounts that Russia and China are providing Iran with electronic warfare capabilities, satellite navigation access, and intelligence sharing in an undeclared shadow war against the US-Israeli coalition
Intelligence analysts examine whether Iran's improved missile accuracy stems from access to China's BeiDou satellite navigation system, which the US cannot jam
Reports emerge that Russia and China are assisting Iran with electronic warfare capabilities and intelligence sharing, raising concerns of broader great power involvement
Manila deepens defense ties with Paris as China expands coast guard deployments and Vietnam fortifies Spratly positions in 2025 confrontation
Central Military Commission reduced to two members as China's military modernization continues while Washington downgrades Taiwan in latest national defense strategy
Maritime tensions intensify as China strengthens territorial claims against Southeast Asian nations
G7 nations issue unprecedented statement supporting Taiwan's security and democracy
Water cannon incidents and collision near grounded ship raise stakes in disputed waters
Annual review shows unprecedented escalation in Chinese military activities around Taiwan
Russian president's high-profile visit to China demonstrates deepening strategic partnership and economic integration
Virtual summit exposes deep divisions as Pakistan pushes for connectivity while India cites terror concerns
High-stakes summit addresses conflict mediation as China positions itself as potential peacemaker while maintaining strategic partnership
China's backing emboldens Pakistan during India-China military standoff, reshaping regional dynamics
China's National People's Congress passes law authorizing military force to prevent Taiwan independence
Pro-democracy protests in Beijing dramatically shift Taiwan's perception of mainland China and reunification prospects
US agrees to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan in joint communiqué with China
Nationalist government transfers China's gold reserves to Taiwan as communist forces advance