The Chinese dragon’s double game: Xi Jinping awaits Trump in Beijing while keeping channels open with Iran

China is entering this new phase of the war involving Iran in the way it usually acts when an international crisis does not place it at the center but may still offer gains. It does not take a direct stance, does not burn bridges with anyone, yet does not let any opportunity go to waste. While Donald Trump is trying to decide whether to keep the conflict with Iran in a controlled pause or return to full military escalation, Beijing is operating on two levels. On one hand, it pressures Tehran to continue negotiations with Washington; on the other, it…