China is suffering a "terrible loss" in the Middle East and could convince some other party to "strike us," according to Gatestone Institute's Gordon Chang.

Amid escalating tensions following Israel's military strikes on Iran, analysts warn that China may retaliate against the U.S. through Iranian proxies, affecting Middle Eastern dynamics and international relations.

The Israel Defense Forces said the air force had launched strikes against missile sites in central Iran, as the Middle East conflict entered a fourth day.

National security experts warn that Israel's attack on Iran shows why Chinese land and asset purchases in the U.S. pose a significant threat to American security.

Investors in Asia struck a cautious tone at the start of trading on Monday, as an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran pushed oil prices higher and raised wider questions about a long-run fallout.

China was deeply concerned about the Israeli attacks on Iran and urged de-escalation for regional peace and stability, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

Asia-Pacific markets rose Monday, as investors assessed escalating Israel-Iran tensions, while awaiting a slew of data from China. Oil prices jumped as Israel and Iran exchanged strikes, while gold prices rallied, as investors sought refuge in the safe haven metal with equity markets sliding globally. The attacks continued over the weekend.

Israel and Iran have opened a new chapter in their long history of conflict. Israel launched a major attack with strikes early Friday that set off explosions in the Iranian capital of Tehran.

President Donald Trump's eventful week included securing a preliminary trade deal with China, deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles, and responding to Israel's strikes on Iran.