Divya Delhi : After a trilateral summit in Beijing, Chinese rhetoric reflected the belief that China can capitalize on the changing Middle East. The high-level conference brought together Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi to discuss Iran's nuclear issue diplomatically. Iran has suggested a tripartite alliance with Russia and China before this summit to resist Western sanctions. Chinese consensus at the time was to carefully evaluate diplomatic alternatives to avoid undue entanglement. Chinese observers emphasized the country's non-alignment and non-confrontation foreign policy, which prioritizes independence over alliances. Beijing did not view close ties with Iran and Russia as a ‘free lunch’. Geopolitical currents have changed recently. Beijing faces increased uncertainty as Donald Trump reshapes global policies and China becomes more assertive. Chinese discourse increasingly portrays China as a trustworthy partner helpful in Trump's turbulent environment. The meeting showed China's latest diplomatic efforts to improve communication and coordination and prepare for conversation and negotiation. Weibo comments under #thisisChinasdiplomacy mirrored this. User: “Negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue have begun. Without the US, China will lead the globe. Cheng Jingye, president of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, said the country's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East—from brokering the Saudi-Iranian deal to facilitating Palestinian reconciliation—reflect its status as a permanent UNSC member. They show China's duty as a big power and commitment to the Global Security Initiative, he said. He added that Beijing will promote Middle East peace, reconciliation, prosperity, stability, and security as the circumstances changes. China viewed the Beijing meeting as a prerequisite for addressing Iran's nuclear issue. One analyst noted that China, Russia, and Iran held direct talks with a defined objective, supporting Beijing's diplomatic efforts to restart talks and maintain regional stability.