The war on Iran carries severe global risks. We are already on the brink of an energy crisis, a global economic crisis, and a potentially unprecedented financial crisis. Prolonging the conflict could destabilize the international system.
By Robin Davis, March 23, 2026.
In an interview, with Sharmine Narwani, Chinese analyst Victor Gao shared Beijing’s perspective on the war on Iran. He highlighted the risks it poses not just to the region but to global stability.
“Prolonging this war could trigger three major crises: an energy crisis, a global economic crisis, and a potentially unprecedented financial crisis. We are already on the brink of these converging crises. The only way to prevent this is to end the war. The responsibility lies with the United States and Israel to stop it immediately.”
Why Didn’t China Veto the UN Vote?
Asked about China’s recent abstention in a UN Security Council vote that criticized Iran without acknowledging the initial attack, Gao explained that Beijing faces a tricky balancing act, given its reliance on Gulf energy flows and concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
“It would be very awkward if China exercised its veto when the narrowly defined question is whether the closure of the Strait of Hormuz should be lifted. China’s decision to abstain does not mean it does not fully acknowledge Iran’s right to self-defense.
“The best way to eliminate the risk associated with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is to bring this war to an end and ensure that countries like the United States and Israel will not impose another war on Iran.”
Could China Get Involved Militarily?
Gao stresed that China prefers diplomatic pressure over military involvement and that direct action by China could worsen the conflict and risk a wider or nuclear escalation.
“China is not standing on the sidelines. It is condemning the war.
“I personally hope that sooner rather than later, China can play a mediating role, especially between Iran and the United States, to help bring this war to an end.
“However, what the United States has done, launching a war during ongoing negotiations and killing top Iranian leaders has destroyed trust. At this moment, there is virtually no trust in Iran toward the United States. So how can Iran be convinced to negotiate?
“We need to reset the situation. The United States must demonstrate responsibility and trustworthiness. The burden of proof is on the United States to restore the minimum level of trust necessary for negotiations to begin again.”
No Winners, Only Catastrophic Risks
Gao cautioned that mis-steps could have catastrophic consequences far beyond the Middle East, underscoring the urgency to de-escalate the war on Iran before it spirals further. When Narwani asked about increasing fears that Israel may use a nuclear weapon, Gao warned it would be the demise of Israel.
“First of all, I want to tell the Israeli government and the Israeli leaders that the moment Israel uses a nuclear warhead against any other country, including Iran, it will be the demise of Israel as a country, as a state.
“Why? Because by dropping a nuclear warhead against another country, Israel will become public enemy number one of mankind.
“Mankind will never support Israel using a nuclear warhead against another country, killing hundreds of thousands if not more people. It will ignite huge condemnation among other countries and cause the demise of Israel as a regime and as a country.”
“Number two is that if Israel dares to use a nuclear warhead, it will ironically accelerate the process of other countries in that region trying to build nuclear weapons.
“Eventually, there will be explosive growth of nuclear weapons in that part of the world, likely causing destruction across the region and making it unlivable for hundreds of millions of people.”
* Victor Gao is a leading China geopolitics expert and Vice President of the Center for China and Globalisation.
Featured image: You Tube screenshots.
Also see: Iran War Backfires: U.S. and Israel Have No Idea What They Started