The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran represents one of the most significant geopolitical crises of 2026. It began in late February when U.S. and Israeli forces launched large-scale strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, escalating long-standing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, targeting U.S. bases and allied interests, turning the confrontation into a broader regional war. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, intensified regional instability, and triggered fragile ceasefire efforts, highlighting the risk of prolonged confrontation and wider international consequences.

Even as Israeli bombs rained down on Lebanon, most of the world breathed a cautious sigh of relief when news broke that Pakistan had mediated a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with the goal of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The multi-centered geographical distribution of UN agencies has been a reality, yet there is no comprehensive UN hub in East Asia. A two-step approach—pilot first, followed by institutional integration—could be adopted to leverage the region’s strengths in innovation and market, thereby building a new node of international governance.

China neither seeks nor intends to replace the United States in filling any so-called “vacuum”, nor should it be expected to play such a role, says leading Tsinghua IR scholar Da Wei in the recent interview with The Paper.

The visit of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the United States showcased the internal solidarity of the alliance. But an official U.S. report warned Tokyo against escalating tensions with China.

It’s no secret that the relationship between Asia’s two largest states is far from friendly, but the present window of opportunity for new global leaders to take center-stage could turn things around if both play to their strengths.

What matters most for China is not whether the United States is in decline but how to understand a country that seeks to shape history while being no longer willing to bear the costs under the old rules. The United States today stands at a historic crossroads. To understand, one must begin with this fundamental reality.

Middle powers on the continent have a real motivation to cooperate. Constrained by structural factors such as their defense systems, however, the so-called transatlantic shared heritage and the scale of the U.S. market, their cooperation is seen mostly in policy coordination and diplomatic statements.

The U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran have heightened regional instability while exposing China’s complex strategic dilemma, as Beijing seeks to safeguard critical energy imports and investments without becoming directly involved. Balancing ties with Iran, Gulf states, and the West, China is pursuing a cautious, deliberately ambiguous approach to protect its broader geopolitical and economic interests.

Four interconnected risks threaten Republican control of the U.S. Congress in November’s midterm elections. The vote will determine not only control of Congress but will also profoundly influence the future trajectory of American politics.