Israel Asks China to Use Its Influence to Pressure Iran

Israel's Consul-General in Shanghai has called on China to leverage its economic and political power to restrain Iran's military and nuclear programs.

ISRAEL'S APPEAL:

• "China is the only one capable of influencing Iran," said Consul-General Ravit Baer
• "Iran would collapse if China didn't buy its oil"
• Israel believes China has significant political leverage over Iran and could help curb its "malign activities in the region"

CHINA'S PREVIOUS STANCE:

• China and Russia supported Iran in March when the US demanded nuclear talks
• Both countries said dialogue should only resume with "mutual respect" and lifted sanctions

LIMITED MEDIATION INTEREST:

• Neither China nor Russia offered assistance during the recent 12-day Israel-Iran war
• Baer doesn't think China wants to be a mediator: "Being a mediator is a big responsibility, requires lots of money, and hard decisions"

ISRAEL-CHINA RELATIONS:

• China is Israel's second-largest trading partner after the US
• Relations haven't significantly deteriorated despite ongoing conflicts since 2023
• "We're still having good conversations," Baer said, noting that political disagreements don't prevent cooperation

The appeal highlights Israel's recognition of China's economic influence over Iran while acknowledging China's reluctance to take on a mediating role in Middle Eastern conflicts.