It is a cold calculus, borne of the recognition China has vast economic interests in the Middle East but scant ability or appetite to make a mark on the region’s messy politics. Right now, China is a bystander as the bombs fall on Iran. It will not remain one when the rebuilding starts. ■

Iran's closest allies, Russia and China, have not offered material support to it, exposing the hard limits of its "strategic" partnerships.

China's foreign minister held talks with Iran and Oman as the U.S.-Israel strikes lead to wider regional conflict.

China, which purchased 80% of the oil exported by Tehran, issued a verbal protest against the attack but did not take any further action.

Israel and the US’s attack on Iran and the Islamic regime’s retaliatory strikes have caused chaos for air travellers across the world.

Middle East airspace closures have created a visible gap in global flight paths, forcing long-haul reroutes, increasing fuel costs and disruption, with potential knock-on effects for schedules and fares worldwide.