Dhaka, June 25 -- When Israel launched strikes on Iran nearly two weeks ago, China - a longtime ally of Tehran - was quick to react, at least with words. Beijing condemned the attacks, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Russia's leader urging calm, and China's foreign minister reached out to his Iranian counterpart.

But beyond diplomatic statements, China offered no material assistance.

Despite its growing global ambitions and status as a major rival to the United States, Beijing avoided providing military support to Iran or becoming directly involved - highlighting its limited influence in the region.

"Beijing lacks both the diplomatic capabilities and the risk appetite to quickly intervene in, and to think it can successful...