China Could Learn Vital Military Lessons From Iran War

The ongoing conflict in Iran presents a unique and potentially massive strategic opportunity for China, according to Zhu Zhaoyi, executive director of the Institute of Middle East Studies at Peking University HSBC Business School. In a seminar held in Shenzhen, Zhaoyi argued that Beijing could leverage the situation to reshape Middle Eastern trade dynamics and, crucially, to accelerate its military modernization by learning from the United States' engagement in actual combat.

Zhaoyi highlighted that while China possesses a vast array of advanced weaponry, it lacks the practical battlefield experience that US forces gain through continuous engagement. "The more the US military fights, the narrower the generational gap between our equipment and theirs becomes. Its engagement in warfare actually serves as a massive learning opportunity for China," he stated. This perspective suggests a strategic view where the US military's operational tempo, even in conflict zones, inadvertently benefits China's defense development by providing a real-world benchmark and highlighting areas for improvement in Chinese military technology and doctrine.

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I believe the war in the Middle East is of great value to China, particularly militarily.

Furthermore, with the current ceasefire in the region showing signs of extension, Zhaoyi urged China to adopt a more proactive stance in facilitating peace negotiations. This call reflects a broader Chinese foreign policy objective of increasing its influence in global affairs and presenting itself as a responsible mediator. From a Chinese perspective, actively participating in resolving regional conflicts not only serves the cause of international stability but also enhances China's diplomatic standing and economic interests in vital regions like the Middle East. The unique angle here is how China views foreign conflicts not just through a geopolitical lens, but as a critical, albeit indirect, training ground and a catalyst for its own national development, both militarily and economically.

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The more the US military fights, the narrower the generational gap between our equipment and theirs becomes. Its engagement in warfare actually serves as a massive learning opportunity for China.