This article from The Economist analyzes China’s strategic response to a hypothetical U.S.-led war in Iran. Beijing views the conflict as a “grave American error” that validates President Xi Jinping’s focus on self-reliance over global integration.
Key takeaways include:

• Strategic Patience: China is following Napoleon’s maxim: “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake,” hoping the war accelerates American decline.
• Opportunities: China expects to exploit the vacuum by securing rebuilding contracts and promoting its green technology to nations wary of U.S. embargoes.
• Risks: Beijing fears global instability could harm its export-led economy and is unnerved by the U.S. military’s use of AI in combat operations.