The world is watching the war in Iran — and so is Beijing. In this episode of What Comes Next?, Host and TAG Senior Advisor Mira Rapp-Hooper speaks with Michael Singh, managing director and Steven D. Levy senior fellow at The Washington Institute, about how China views the conflict through three lenses: core interests (especially energy and trade), connectivity ambitions, and strategic competition with the United States. They examine the limits of China-Iran alignment, what Iran may be seeking from China, and how sanctions and U.S.-China dynamics constrain Beijing’s choices ahead of the Trump-Xi summit. They also explore China’s expanding economic ties with Gulf states, questions about China’s credibility as a mediator in the U.S.-Iran war, and what the conflict means for global business risk — from chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz to defense and energy diversification. 

What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe. 

What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.