US: China Should Use Its Influence Over Entities Like the Iranian Government to 'Reduce Tensions'

In a press conference on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the US State Department called on the Chinese government to use its influence over entities such as the Islamic Republic of Iran to reduce tensions in the Middle East. Matthew Miller made this request in response to a journalist's question about the negotiations between the rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah in Beijing and their agreement to form a 'temporary national reconciliation government' after the end of the war in Gaza. He stated, 'What we generally encourage China to do is to use its influence over countries in the region, especially those with which they have relations but we do not, to deter them from fueling conflicts.' Miller further added, 'For example, Iran, which continues to finance and support its proxies that attack Israel, such as the Houthis who have targeted commercial shipping.' The US State Department spokesperson emphasized that China has previously used its influence to end such attacks, and Washington has done so as well and will continue its efforts. Hamas and Fatah, two rival Palestinian groups, agreed on Tuesday, July 23, during negotiations in Beijing, to form a 'temporary national reconciliation government' in Gaza after the end of the war in the region. These negotiations, mediated by China, aimed to create a possible roadmap for Gaza after the war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hamas following a ceasefire agreement. Iranian proxies, including the Houthis in Yemen, Shiite militias in Iraq, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, began attacks on Israel shortly after the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. They initiated these attacks under the pretext of supporting the Palestinians and stated they would cease if a ceasefire were established in Gaza. Months later, diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have yet to yield results. China, which is trying to increase its influence in the Middle East, recently hosted the first negotiations between Hamas and Fatah. Beijing also mediated the agreement between the Islamic Republic and Saudi Arabia to resume relations in March 2023. The Chinese President stated in mid-June at the 'China-Arab Cooperation Forum' that Beijing is willing to cooperate with Arab countries to resolve issues in critical areas and achieve 'long-term peace and stability.'