China buys lots of Iran’s oil, but it’s trying to avoid getting drawn into the war, instead calling for de-escalation and peace in the Middle East. 

So, what role is Beijing actually playing, how is its economy affected and what is it learning about the United States’ military? 

Today, Neil Thomas, an expert in China’s politics from the Asia Society Policy Institute on Xi Jinping’s strategy and standing in the world. 

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Neil Thomas, fellow on Chinese Politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis