A U.S. Attack on Iran Would Show the Limits of China's Power
But as President Trump openly ponders deploying American forces to join Israel in attacking Iran, the limits of China's clout in the region are coming into focus.
China has much to lose from a runaway conflict. Half of the country's oil imports move in tankers through the Strait of Hormuz on Iran's southern coast. And Beijing has long counted on Tehran, its closest partner in the region, to push back against American influence.
But despite those strategic interests, China, which has little sway over the Trump administration, is unlikely to come to Iran's defense militarily, especially if the United States gets involved.
'The reality is they don't actually have the capability to insert Chinese forces to defend Iran's installations,' said Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington. 'What they would prefer to do is very quietly provide some material support, some rhetorical support and maybe some humanitarian aid.'
Though China favors stability in the Middle East, it could also gain if the United States gets roped into a prolonged war there, which might divert American troops, ships and other military resources away from Asia.
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Saudi Arabia Loyalty Programs Market Intelligence 2025-2029
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Saudi Arabian Loyalty Programs Market Dublin, Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Loyalty Programs Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics - 50+ KPIs on Loyalty Programs Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics - Q3 2025 Update" report has been added to loyalty market in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow by 15.4% on annual basis to reach US$842.5 million in 2025. In value terms, the loyalty market in the country has recorded a CAGR of 17.2% during 2020-2024. The loyalty market in the country will continue to grow over the forecast period and is expected to record a CAGR of 13.0% during 2025-2029. Loyalty market in this region is expected to increase from US$730.3 million in 2024 to reach US$1.37 billion by report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the loyalty market opportunities and risks across a range of end-use sectors and market segments in Saudi Arabia. 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Data-driven personalization is emerging as a critical enabler for brands to deliver tailored experiences, while coalition programs are reshaping the loyalty landscape by fostering partnerships across industries. These trends will likely intensify over the next 2-4 years as technology adoption accelerates and consumer expectations evolve. Businesses that embrace these trends and invest in customer-centric, data-driven loyalty solutions will be well-positioned to build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with their customers in Saudi Arabia's dynamic and competitive Adoption of Digital Loyalty Platforms Digital loyalty platforms are becoming increasingly popular in Saudi Arabia, driven by the country's rapid digital transformation. These platforms, including mobile apps and web-based solutions, allow customers to collect and redeem points, access exclusive offers, and engage with brands in real-time. 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