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

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,

By Jonathan Saul and Marwa Rashad LONDON, March 5 (Reuters) - China is in talks with Iran to allow crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz as the U.

China has expressed its anger over Israeli-US strikes on Iran but, despite hits to its oil imports, will not risk its interests by confronting Washington and helping its long-standing partner, analysts say.

One of Iran's closest allies and the ​biggest buyer of its oil, China has so far kept silent about the business and trade impact of the attacks, though it condemned the U.S.-led operation as "unacceptable" and called for restraint.

China imports roughly half of its oil from the Middle East.

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

Beijing has condemned the U.S.-backed strikes on Iran, a close partner. Yet with trade talks looming, it is unlikely to risk a rupture with Washington.

China's business dealings in Iran face potential risks due to geopolitical tensions arising from U.S.–Israeli strikes. State-backed Chinese companies have been actively engaging in various projects across Iran,