Also remind everyone who got over excited about the recent event between China and western Asia, China signed the 25 year deal with Iran just 1.5 years ago, just a month ago Iran approved the obligation to join SCO and will be full member in a few months. Do you think that has no pressure on Saudi Arabia to join SCO and sign the big deal with China in the recent summit? Not long ago China, Russia and Iran had a naval drill in the gulf region. Do you think China is so crazy to get cozy with Iran only to ruin it in a eye blink?
All China is doing is to give Iran a security guarantee in the form of SCO (which has security terms against outside) and joint drill, then make an offer to the Arabs which is well received (of course). That is balancing and pressure/encouragement.
Strategic observation need to have longer memory and broader views.