The China in Africa Podcast [GLOBAL SOUTH] China Forced to Regroup After Israel-Iran War
Jun 26, 2025
Ahmed Aboudouh, head of the China Studies Research Unit at the Emirates Policy Center and an associate fellow at Chatham House, discusses China's precarious position after the Israel-Iran conflict. The war has revealed China's vulnerabilities, especially regarding its oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Aboudouh explains the shifting dynamics in China-Iran relations and the challenges Beijing faces in balancing its economic interests and energy security in a turbulent Middle East. He also highlights the implications for China's leadership role in the Global South.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Strait of Hormuz's Strategic Importance
- The Strait of Hormuz is critical for China, with up to 45% of its oil imports passing through it.
- Closure of this strait would severely impact China's energy security and global oil prices.
China's Waning Confidence in Iran
- Iran's strategic value to China has diminished after its vulnerabilities were exposed in recent conflicts.
- China is likely to delay its Iran agreements and depend more on Gulf countries for stability.
Global Security Initiative vs. Middle East Reality
- China's Global Security Initiative ideals contrast with the Middle East's reality of conflict and instability.
- Regional conflicts reveal the limitations of China-led organizations in providing security guarantees.