Dar es Salaam, June 21 -- ISRAEL is once again redefining the rules of engagement. Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Tel Aviv has carried out attacks on Iran with little regard for international law or global opinion. Framing these strikes as preemptive measures against Irans alleged nuclear ambitions, the Israeli government is echoing the same kind of narrative Washington used to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq – claims of weapons of mass destruction that turned out to be unfounded.

Beijing sees this ongoing vilification of Iran – driven by both the US and Israel – as dangerous narrative warfare that could lay the groundwork for a broader military conflict.

In response, China has taken a clear and firm stance...