Editor's note: Shao Xia is a commentator on international affairs for CGTN. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

As the conflict surrounding Iran intensifies, some Western media are reviving the old trick of blaming China, accusing Beijing of "abandoning its ally" to drive a wedge between China and the Gulf countries.

The 'alliance' myth

The accusation that China has "abandoned an ally" rests on two misunderstandings.

It compares an outdated alliance framework with China's path of "partnership over alliance." What certain countries call an "alliance" is nothing but a gang-like clique where the "boss" gives orders and extracts wealth and the "underlings" serve as expendable pawns. In today's era of peace and development, this factional playbook belongs in the dustbin of history.

China's partnerships are rooted in equality, mutual respect and shared development. They do not force nations to take sides, nor exploit a friend's crisis to amass military-industrial wealth in the name of "assistance."

The second misunderstanding is that military intervention is the only meaningful response to conflict. The conflicts themselves raise questions. While the attacks on Gaza continues, new ones were launched on Iran by the US and Israel despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations with Tehran. Targeted killings of heads of sovereign states and open calls for regime changes challenge the basic norms governing international relations, exposing the aggressors' entrenched belief that might is right.

But history has repeatedly shown the limitations of such thinking. Those who bring war to others' doorsteps ultimately burn their own selves. From Afghanistan in 2001 to Iraq in 2003, to Libya and Syria later, the wars launched in the name of justice ended in prolonged instability and suffering. When violence claims innocent lives, it becomes increasingly difficult to argue that such action serves liberation or justice.

A major country's vision and responsibility

The true measure of a major country lies in its strategic vision, its sense of responsibility and its ability to provide maximum stability and certainty in a turbulent world. China possesses both the capability to shoulder this burden and the strategic resolve to stay the course.

Having endured the bitter sufferings of modern wars, China understands better than anyone else that there are no winners in war. China's restraint therefore is not indifference, but long-term strategic clarity. Besides, this restraint does not mean passivity. China's commitment to peace and major country responsibility is evident from the consultations with different foreign ministers, urgings at the UN, and shuttle diplomacy.

China's first principle is respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Thus, Beijing has unequivocably called the attacks on Iran during negotiations, the blatant assassination of Iran's sovereign leader, and pushing for regime change in the Islamic republic unacceptable.

China's second principle is the protection of civilians. Beijing has condemned the indiscriminate use of force and attacks on civilians and non-military targets.

The commitment to friends is not measured by declarations amid war but by steady, long-term efforts. The historic 2023 reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran mediated by Beijing triggered a wave of reconciliations in the Middle East. The following year, 14 Palestinian factions set aside their differences to sign the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity.

China pursues no military alliances, bloc confrontations, or proxy wars in the Middle East. Instead, it has always emphasized dialogue, development and long-term partnership.

The Middle East's future

How will the crisis in Iran end? Who has the final say over the future of the Middle East? History has repeatedly provided the answer.

Military technology may destroy cities, but it cannot erase identities or resolve deep political grievances. If anything, repeated cycles of conflict often deepen resentment and prolong instability.

Ultimately, the future of the Middle East is in the hands of the people of the region. They must find their own path of coexistence and shared prosperity based on mutual respect.

There is an old Chinese saying that those who rely on brute force rarely come to a good end. Force may impose fear, but it cannot command trust. In the end, justice and fairness outlast power – and that is the foundation China seeks to uphold.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on X to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)