Zhu Zhaoyi
Zhu Zhaoyi is Executive Director of the Institute of Middle East Studies at Peking University HSBC Business School.

Mar 05, 2026
The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes has created leadership uncertainty in Tehran, weakened Iran’s regional network of allies, and accelerated shifts in Middle Eastern power dynamics. For China, the conflict threatens energy supplies and Belt and Road investments while potentially expanding Beijing’s diplomatic role if it maintains neutrality and engagement with all sides.
