China’s Middle East policy at a crossroads 6 months into US-Israeli war on Iran

Gulf states are rethinking their strategy after coming under attack, but observers said Beijing does not want to commit itself too deeply

The war has forced Gulf leaders to face the reality that neither the United States nor China is able to protect them from attacks by Iran.

On Wednesday, the Iranian army warned that any “possible future war” with the US could spread across the region and target energy and communications infrastructure.

In the face of such threats, Gulf states have been seeking new defensive partners.

On Thursday, Kuwait signed a military cooperation agreement with Pakistan, which promised to provide training and boost the city state’s defensive capacity.