CHINE PERSPECTIVE

Chinese media coverage via CGTN reveals a sophisticated narrative strategy that positions China as a critical observer of Western hegemony while implicitly supporting Iran. The emphasis placed on energy infrastructure (Kharg Island) is not insignificant: by highlighting that this small island manages 90% of Iranian oil exports, CGTN sheds light on global economic vulnerabilities and the risks of energy escalation, areas where China has major strategic interests as an energy importer and commercial partner of Iran.

The treatment of the bombed school in Minab perfectly illustrates Chinese anti-Western rhetoric. By emphasizing the 160 children killed and posing the question 'Who bombed the school?', CGTN uses powerful emotional language to discredit American military actions without naming them explicitly. This approach allows Beijing to criticize Washington while maintaining a facade of journalistic neutrality, a technique characteristic of contemporary Chinese diplomacy.

The silences are as revealing as what is said. No mention is made of potential Iranian provocations, threats against Israel, or the nuclear context that often justifies Western interventions. The coverage also ignores Israel's legitimate security concerns or Iran's violations of international law, creating a one-dimensional narrative where the US/Israel axis appears as the sole aggressor.

The narrative framing is part of China's geopolitical vision of a multipolar world where American hegemony must be contested. By reporting the statements of Iran's minister accusing the United States and Israel of regional attacks, CGTN amplifies the voices of Washington's adversaries, aligning with China's strategy of supporting states that challenge the Western order. This coverage serves Chinese interests by presenting a united front of 'resistant' powers against the West, while positioning China as a credible alternative to American leadership in international relations.