US President Donald Trump’s decision to order the assassination of Qassem Suleimani, Iran’s most powerful military commander, has raised the specter, albeit still distant, of all-out war between the United States and the Islamic Republic. There is only one winner in this situation: China.

The killing is a game-changer that will divert America’s attention from other priorities and force Trump to send more troops and weapons to the Middle East rather than withdrawing.

Protected by the vast Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the American homeland is a difficult target for direct retaliation. Iran and its proxies have easier marks around the world.

The Trump administration owes the world a clear explanation of how it justified an operation to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. So far, the strike seems legally dubious, if not flagrantly illegal.

The international community should exert its influence to re-establish and maintain minimal regional order. China, which enjoys considerable prestige in the region, could play a constructive role.

The Gulf region is in a very sensitive situation and is “standing at a crossroads of war and peace”, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday, calling for calm and restraint and talks to resolve the issue.

Trump pivots to Asia.

While the US withdraws its troops from the Middle East, it’s putting in place a framework to secure its interests.

The US’ efforts to establish hegemony in the Middle East has undermined nuclear nonproliferation, instigated and prolonged conflict, and scuppered the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Other parties to the deal should stick to it to lower the risk of conflict.