In recent months, China has tried to avoid direct conflict in war and regional tensions while maintaining its relations with Iran. Andrea Gisli, professor of political science and director of research at the China-Mediterranean Project, explains in this interview that Beijing's main priority is still to compete with America and protect its economic and security interests, not to play the role of an interventionist power in the Middle East. He also believes that China does not want Iran to fail, but at the same time, it is unlikely to deviate from its cautious and pragmatic approach to support Tehran.