September 23: Sports headlines

In a war defined by escalation, China is choosing a different approach—talks, not strikes. As tensions between the US and Iran continue, Beijing has stepped in with a clear message: de-escalate. But this is not just diplomacy. It is strategy. China’s economy depends heavily on energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the very chokepoints now at risk. A prolonged conflict doesn’t just destabilise the region, it directly impacts Beijing’s interests. So when China calls for talks, it is not just trying to stop the war—it is trying to contain its consequences.