US-China Economic Gap to Widen, Iran Crisis Could Stabilize Ties

A former UN Security Council president forecasts a widening US-China economic gap but suggests the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz crisis might inadvertently stabilize bilateral relations.

Wed Apr 29 2026

Widening Economic Divide and Geopolitical Factors

Aprominent global strategist predicts that the economic divide between the United States and China will expand to US$11 trillion by the end of the decade. However, he suggests that escalating geopolitical tensions, specifically the war in Iran and the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis, could inadvertently act as a stabilizing force for bilateral ties.

Potential Impact of Iran Crisis on US-China Relations

Kishore Mahbubani, former president of the UN Security Council and a top Singaporean diplomat, has forecasted a widening gross domestic product disparity between the two nations. Despite this economic gap, he posits that instability in the Middle East could prompt both superpowers to cooperate or at least de-escalate conflicts on certain issues, indicating a nuanced impact of the Iran situation on US-China relations.

*Source: SCMP (2026-04-29)*

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