From: Inside Story
What role is China playing in the Iran war and how is it affected?
Beijing balancing Tehran alliance with its wider global interests
![In this handout photo taken and released on April 14, 2026 by the Spanish Prime Minister's office La Moncloa, China's President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing. [Borja Puig de la Bellacasa/La Moncloa via AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AFP__20260414__A7RH6WE__v1__HighRes__ChinaSpainDiplomacyPolitics_cropped-1776177347.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Taiwan opposition leader calls for ‘reconciliation’ after meeting Xi
KMT leader Cheng Li-wun stressed shared cultural heritage and suggested she would slow Taiwan’s military build-up.
EXPLAINER
What is Iran’s Strait of Hormuz protocol and will other nations accept it?
Tehran’s plans to tax ships passing through the strait and raise money to rebuild is already seeing pushback.
China probes ‘malicious’ cyberbullying of teen diving champion Quan
Three-time Olympic gold medallist has faced toxic online abuse and considered quitting over comments on her appearance.
On rare China visit, Taiwan’s opposition leader calls for reconciliation
KMT chief Cheng Li-wun, the party’s first leader to visit China in a decade, hopes to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In Strait of Hormuz, Iran and China take aim at US dollar hegemony
Tehran and Beijing both stand to gain from boosting status of the Chinese yuan.
Afghanistan brands China peace talks with Pakistan ‘useful’
Kabul’s foreign minister expresses hope that minor interpretations will not hinder progress.
Taiwanese opposition leader to meet China’s Xi in a test of diplomatic skill
Kuomintang leader Cheng Li-wun’s trip to China could make or break the party’s prospects in upcoming elections.
EXPLAINER
How China’s ‘teapot’ refineries are cushioning it from Iran war oil crisis
Small independent refineries are helping China continue importing oil from Iran.
Pakistan, Afghanistan hold talks in China to end months of conflict
China has been trying to mediate a negotiated settlement to the conflict between the allies-turned-foes.
Will China join Pakistan-led efforts to mediate US-Iran peace?
Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar visits China after Islamabad talks to broker negotiations between the US and Iran.
