China is refusing to condemn Iran's strike on Israel — and it's part of a Middle East power play

• China refused to condemn Iran's missile attack on Israel.
• It is a customer for Iran's oil and has vowed to deepen ties. 
• China is seeking to position itself as a key power in the region. 

China refused to condemn Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel as it seeks to position itself as a key player in the Middle East.

A readout of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's call with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Monday, reported by Chinese state media, characterized the attack as an act of self defense.