As an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iran last week sparks a spiraling conflict between the two enemy states, China has seen an opportunity to cast itself as potential peace broker – and an alternative voice to the United States.

China suggested the US use its influence with Israel to stop the conflict with Iran from spilling over, a sign Beijing is becoming increasingly concerned about the stability of a region it relies on for energy supplies.

Rising tensions in the Middle East will accelerate natural gas negotiations between Russia and China, with a decision likely this year, the head of a think-tank that advises the Russian government on China told Reuters.

A US aircraft carrier is barrelling towards the Middle East after Donald Trump warned the “full strength and might” of the military would be used if America was attacked. Iran and

Chinese commentators have said that Iran might have fared better against Israeli strikes if had been equipped with Chinese weaponry

BEIJING: China's embassy in Israel on Tuesday (Jun 17) urged its citizens to leave the country "as soon as possible", after Israel and Iran traded heavy strikes. "The Chinese mission in Israel reminds Chinese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible via land border crossings,

Both countries have closed their airspaces, leaving few options for citizens of other countries seeking to leave.

If the U.S. entered the conflict between Iran and Israel, Tehran could target American military assets in the region, experts have told Newsweek.