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An opinion piece argues that China does not need to militarily replace the United States in the Persian Gulf to gain strategic leverage over the region, suggesting Beijing can expand influence through economic and diplomatic means instead. The analysis comes amid ongoing tension between Iran and the United States over the Gulf region. Adding to this, Iran's foreign minister is set to travel to Beijing as Tehran and China explore diplomatic paths amid escalating US-Iran tensions, raising questions about whether China could position itself as a peacemaker in the standoff. The visit highlights Beijing's growing diplomatic engagement in the region even as it avoids direct military involvement.