Iran has rejected Beijing’s attempt to play a mediator role in the war, according to insiders, who say the conflict is undercutting the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) global ambitions.
One of the insiders with access to China's diplomatic circles, speaking on condition of anonymity to the Epoch Times, said that the CCP planned to leverage its special relationship with Iran to secure its leadership over certain developing countries.
Insiders say Iranian leaders also rejected China's request for safe passage of Chinese cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz. They say Iran could only guarantee the safety of "some" of the cargo bound for Iran.
The block on ships' passage has been driving up prices in China, and the ongoing war has been taking a toll on China's economy, hitting its export sectors especially hard. Many shipping containers are reportedly sitting at ports, unable to be shipped out, and shipping and insurance costs are skyrocketing.