China Made ‘Serious Strategic Miscalculation’ on Iran, Insiders Say

Muted Chinese response to U.S.-Israel strikes came after multiple revisions and reflected shock, according to people familiar with the situation.

Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse in Beijing on May 13, 2018. Thomas Peter/AFP via Getty Images

When Western allies reacted to the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Beijing’s response was measured.

The Chinese foreign ministry statement came seven hours after the operation began and contained just over 80 words, with the spokesperson saying Beijing is “highly concerned” while calling for “an immediate stop to the military actions.”