By Sam Li and Lewis Jackson BEIJING, March 9 (Reuters) - China raised regulated ceiling prices for retail gasoline and diesel in the sharpest increase since March 2022 on Monday, following a surge in international oil prices due to the U.

China is not feeling the shock of war in the Middle East - yet. But it is feeling the ripples.

The day the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, China waited several hours before taking its first official position.

But although China is concerned, it is not likely to get involved. After Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June 2025, China offered only boilerplate diplomatic rhetoric in support of the Islamic Republic.

President Trump’s war is the latest campaign that has drained missile stockpiles and stretched American forces thin.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters on Monday that Iran's decision to appoint the younger Khamenei was "based on its constitution".

China's foreign minister held talks with Iran and Oman as the U.S.-Israel strikes lead to wider regional conflict.

China has perfected the role of concerned onlooker as the Middle East conflict spreads across the region. With no direct role in the conflict and some 4,200 miles (6,800 kilometers) away from the action,

Iran's deputy foreign minister said that many countries want a way for ceasefire discussions, but said any truce is possible only if the US and Israel stop attacks