China Backs Iran's Sovereignty Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict 📈

• Geopolitical Context: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi officially signaled support for Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and security following significant US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. • Military Escalation: The conflict has intensified since Saturday, resulting in hundreds of fatalities in Iran. In response, Tehran launched missile and drone waves targeting Israel, Gulf states, and a British base in Cyprus. • Diplomatic Stance: Beijing emphasized that major powers must not bypass international norms through military superiority, warning against a "regression to the law of the jungle." • Economic & Strategic Implications: • Nuclear Issue: China maintains that the Iranian nuclear situation must return to a diplomatic settlement track. • Energy & Trade: As a key partner for Sri Lanka’s maritime logistics and energy imports, prolonged instability in the Gulf risks significant volatility in global oil prices and shipping routes. • Conflict Duration: US President Donald Trump has indicated the military engagement could persist for several weeks, with four US personnel casualties reported to date.