RismadarVoice Reporters, May 5, 2026
China could emerge as a major geopolitical beneficiary if tensions between the United States and Iran persist without resolution, according to former intelligence analyst John Nixon.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Nixon said Beijing is carefully positioning itself for long-term advantage, leveraging the situation to deepen its global influence while observing Washington’s military strategies.
He noted that China has gained valuable insight into American war-fighting capabilities and modern combat approaches as the conflict unfolds. However, beyond military observation, Nixon emphasised that China’s most significant opportunity lies in diplomacy and perception.
According to him, China is increasingly presenting itself as a reliable and pragmatic partner to countries in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region. He argued that this approach contrasts with perceptions of US policy, which some regional actors view as overly forceful or inconsistent.
“The Gulf countries are so important to China’s future,” Nixon said, adding that Beijing is cultivating an image of a responsible global power focused on stability and economic cooperation rather than military intervention.
While acknowledging that China is sometimes seen as purely transactional in its foreign engagements, Nixon suggested that this perception could shift over time, especially if dissatisfaction with US policies grows among regional governments.
He further highlighted China’s deep reliance on Middle Eastern energy resources, noting that despite the global transition toward renewable energy, Beijing will remain a major consumer of oil and gas from Gulf exporters for years to come.
As a result, Nixon projected that ties between China and energy-rich nations in the region are likely to strengthen, reinforcing Beijing’s strategic foothold in one of the world’s most critical geopolitical corridors.
