Scholars speak of the old Chinese idea of wangdao — an enlightened and benevolent power. But this does not require China to become a new hegemon that someday replaces the United States. China can help the world by earning the trust of others.

President Donald Trump’s authorization of a drone strike that assassinated Iranian General Qassem Suleimani is the icing on the cake for his record of erratic and unpredictable foreign policy. More importantly, it has opened the door for China and Russia to gain military, economic, and diplomatic influence in the Middle East.

The death of Qassim Suleimani highlights the growing divide between the US and the Middle East at large, a divide which may create an opportunity for China to strengthen regional ties.

In the wake of rising U.S.-Iranian tension, there seems to be no clear path forward – and no clear winner. China stands to pluck the fruit of possible conflict in the region.

The recent tense, dangerous exchanges between the United States and Iran have revealed a great deal about US President Donald Trump’s management of his foreign policy. The main conclusion is that he doesn’t have one.

Hatred runs deep between the two countries. Thus, even if tensions recede, hostility is likely to remain, or even increase. In the end, it will benefit no one.

US President Donald Trump’s decision to order the assassination of Qassem Suleimani, Iran’s most powerful military commander, has raised the specter, albeit still distant, of all-out war between the United States and the Islamic Republic. There is only one winner in this situation: China.

The killing is a game-changer that will divert America’s attention from other priorities and force Trump to send more troops and weapons to the Middle East rather than withdrawing.

Protected by the vast Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the American homeland is a difficult target for direct retaliation. Iran and its proxies have easier marks around the world.

The Trump administration owes the world a clear explanation of how it justified an operation to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. So far, the strike seems legally dubious, if not flagrantly illegal.