Trump’s leadership style evinced with the Middle East, at once volatile and commanding, could be both an obstacle and an opportunity for Beijing.

Iran’s defense minister has traveled to diplomatic and economic ally China on his first reported trip abroad since a 12-day clash with Israel that briefly dragged the US into a new regional conflict.

Much has been made of the emerging alliance among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. But the recent strikes on Iran highlight its limits.