In the Middle East, China seeks to weaken or displace American influence and to stay on good terms with both Iran and its Persian Gulf rivals. Thus, after the October 7 attacks, Beijing reacted with boilerplate about the need for both sides to exercise restraint and the importance of a two-state solution. Galia Lavi explains that this was part of Chinese officials’ mishandling of the situation:
As Beijing saw it, the current fighting was no different from past conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians. Therefore, it would use it to display its support for the Palestinians and smile at the Muslim countries in the Middle East, while taunting the United States and presenting itself as a peace-seeking alternative to U.S. hegemony, which, [according to Chinese propaganda], foments strife and quarrels.
But Beijing . . . did not expect such a determined U.S. response, including clear declarations of support for Israel, criticisms of Hamas terror, the dispatch of two aircraft carriers to the region, the airlift of military equipment, and no less important, a blitz of visits by senior U.S. officials to countries of the region, bringing the message that the United States is present in the area with all its power and will defend its allies, actively if necessary.
Thus, China found itself in an uncomfortable position. On the one hand, the events of October 7 shattered the concept that China has vigorously promoted in recent years, whereby the United States has withdrawn from the Middle East and China has increased its presence there. . . . On the other hand, the anti-Hamas position of countries in the Middle East has highlighted China’s support for Syria, Iran, and Russia—countries that help China create an axis of opposition to the United States, and in the current situation are also seen as supporters of terror.
Read more on Institute for National Security Studies: https://www.inss.org.il/publication/china-swords-of-iron/