Can China still maintain good relations with Gulf states and Iran as fighting escalates?

Strikes on all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks on Iran have hit both American military assets stationed in those countries and civilian infrastructure, including oil refineries. All six have stated their neutrality, but Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told US broadcaster MS Now, formerly MSNBC, on Saturday it was “crystal clear” his country was being attacked from US bases and military installations located in its Gulf neighbours. However, some observers have argued that Beijing could offer the GCC additional “pragmatic” support to help stabilise the situation, and said the conflict could pave…