In recent months, China has tried to preserve its ties with Iran while avoiding direct involvement in the war and regional tensions. Andrea Ghezzi, a professor of political science and director of research at the China and the Mediterranean project, explains in this interview that Beijing’s main priority remains its competition with the United States and the protection of its own economic and security interests, rather than playing the role of an interventionist power in the Middle East. He also believes that China does not want Iran to lose, but at the same time it is unlikely to stray from its cautious and pragmatic approach in order to support Tehran.