Did China change world politics after Iran war? After Trump-Putin, Sharif will also meet Jinping

Amidst the increasing war-like situation in the Middle East, Iran crisis, threat to oil supply and the global tussle between America and Russia, China has suddenly emerged as the most important center of world politics. At present, Beijing has become not only the power of Asia, but also the place where big leaders of the world come to decide their strategic equations. First American President Donald Trump visited China, then Russian President Vladimir Putin reached Beijing and now Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also busy in giving a new direction to relations with China. These incidents have clearly indicated that President Xi Jinping is now not just the leader of China but has become one of the most influential faces of the changing global politics.

How did China become the center point of world politics?

Amidst the increasing tension in the Middle East, Iran crisis, threat to oil supply and the US-Russia tussle, the eyes of the world have suddenly turned to China. The reason is not only that China is the second largest economy in the world, but also because at present almost every major global leader is looking towards Beijing. First US President Donald Trump visited China, then Russian President Vladimir Putin reached Beijing and now Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also busy in giving a new direction to his relations with China. At the center of all this is Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is establishing himself as a global power center without which no major strategic equation is complete.

Why did Trump’s China visit become so important?

Relations between America and China have been tense for the last several years due to trade war, Taiwan dispute and technology restrictions. But the Middle East crisis forced both the countries to come to the negotiating table. According to reports, Trump discussed issues like trade, Iran, Strait of Hormuz and Taiwan directly with Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing.

China is the world’s largest energy importer and most of its oil needs are met from the Middle East. In such a situation, if the conflict between Iran-Israel or the Gulf region increases, then China’s economy can be directly affected. This is the reason why the Trump administration also expected China to play a “responsible role” in this crisis.

Although warmth was shown in the meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, internal differences persisted. Regarding Taiwan, Xi Jinping clearly warned that if this issue is not handled properly, a situation of “conflict and confrontation” may arise.

What message does China want to send?

Beijing is currently presenting itself as a “stable global power”. When Western countries are embroiled in war and political polarization, China is trying to send the message that it can become a center of dialogue, trade and diplomacy. This is the reason why Putin was also called to Beijing immediately after Trump’s visit.

Actually, China is working on two fronts simultaneously. On one hand, he wants to control the conflict with America. So that trade and investment are not affected, on the other hand it also wants to keep its strategic partnership with Russia strong. This “balancing politics” is making Xi Jinping the most important player in today’s global politics.

Putin’s visit and Russia-China’s new strategy

Western sanctions on Russia have increased continuously after the Russia-Ukraine war. In such a situation, China has emerged as Russia’s biggest economic and strategic support. During Putin’s recent visit to China, both the countries signed more than 40 agreements in many fields including energy, technology and media.

Russia has increased oil and gas supply to China. Whereas China has become a big market for Russia. Due to instability in the Middle East, Russia has become an even more important energy partner for China. This is why Putin and Xi Jinping described their relationship as “the strongest relationship in history”.

However, experts believe that there are practical compulsions behind this friendship. Russia needs China more, whereas China is using Russia to put strategic pressure on America.

What is the strategy behind Sharif’s visit?

Pakistan has been a close ally of China for a long time. Amidst the economic crisis, IMF pressure and regional instability, Pakistan is again trying to get closer to China. The focus is on revitalizing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), increasing investment and strengthening security cooperation.

Shehbaz Sharif’s increasing contact with China is being considered not only economic but also strategic. Pakistan knows that the priorities of America and the West are changing, hence Beijing remains the most reliable partner for it. On the other hand, China also considers Pakistan important to maintain its influence in South Asia.

Why is the world’s power center changing?

Vijay Verma, Professor of International Relations at Delhi University, says that China is a professional country. Chinese President Xi Jinping knows that if he wants to make the country a superpower, then gimmicks will not work. To make the country worthy, the most important work has to be done first. China does the same. Whereas US President Donald Trump is threatening the countries of the world in 2026 like in the 1960s.

He said that things have changed a lot in the meantime. In today’s times, you cannot do 1960’s politics. Therefore, America is certain to lose in the Middle East war. Trump will not be able to do anything by pretending. The world will progress in a country whose leadership works professionally. China is doing the same. This is the reason why Trump is going to China and so is Putin.

Why did Xi Jinping become the center point?

Today almost every major crisis in the world is linked to China in some way or the other. Be it supply chain, oil market, Russia-Ukraine war or Middle East tension – China’s role is important everywhere. China is America’s biggest strategic rival, Russia’s biggest partner and is rapidly increasing its influence in Asia-Africa.

Xi Jinping has made China’s foreign policy very aggressive and effective in the last few years. Now China does not just want to remain the “Factory of the World”, but it is trying to become the decisive center of global politics. The frequent visits of leaders like Trump, Putin and Sharif to Beijing is being considered a sign of this changing global system.