When Israel launched strikes on Iran nearly two weeks ago, China — a longtime ally of Tehran — was quick to react, at least with words. Beijing condemned the attacks, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Russia’s leader urging calm, and China's foreign minister reached out to his Iranian counterpart.
But beyond diplomatic statements, China offered no material assistance.
Despite its growing global ambitions and status as a major rival to the United States, Beijing avoided providing military support to Iran or becoming directly involved — highlighting its limited influence in the region.
“Beijing lacks both the diplomatic capabilities and the risk appetite to quickly intervene in, and to think it can successfully navigate, this fast-moving and volatile situation," said Jude Blanchette, director of the China Research Center at RAND.
China’s economic and energy stakes in the Middle East are significant, but its military presence is minimal, making Beijing reluctant to take risks, Blanchette noted. “The Chinese government opts to remain a measured, risk-averse actor.”
Commercial interests come first
Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Relations at Nanjing University, said China sees instability in the region as a direct threat to its economy.
“From China’s point of view, the Israel-Iran conflicts challenge and impact China’s business interests and economic security,” Zhu said. “This is something China absolutely does not want to see."
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When Iranian lawmakers recently proposed closing the vital Strait of Hormuz, Beijing immediately voiced opposition. “China calls on the international community to step up efforts to de-escalate conflicts and prevent regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic development,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.
Following the ceasefire announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media, saying, “China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran,” implying that the truce would safeguard Iranian oil exports.
A 2024 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that up to 90% of Iran’s oil exports go to China, providing roughly 1.2 million barrels daily — a key supply to fuel China’s industrial sector.
Craig Singleton, a senior China expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, summarized China’s approach as limited to “steady oil buys and ritual calls for ‘dialogue.’”
“That’s about it,” Singleton said. “No drones or missile parts, no emergency credit line. Just words calibrated to placate Tehran without rattling Riyadh or inviting U.S. sanctions.”
China’s cautious response reflects the gap between its global ambitions and actual influence in the Gulf. “China’s Gulf footprint is commercial, not combat-ready,” Singleton added. “When missiles fly, its much-touted strategic partnership with Iran shrinks to statements. Beijing wants discounted Iranian oil and a ‘peace-broker’ headline, while letting Washington shoulder the hard-power risks.”
Diplomatic support, but no deeper involvement
Since hostilities began, Beijing has stood by Iran diplomatically while promoting talks. China, which brokered a 2023 diplomatic thaw between Iran and Saudi Arabia, has consistently called for de-escalation.
At the United Nations, China, alongside Russia and Pakistan, submitted a draft resolution condemning attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and urging an immediate ceasefire. However, the proposal is expected to be vetoed by the United States.
After the Israeli strikes, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, saying, “China explicitly condemned Israel's violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.” Wang expressed Beijing’s willingness to maintain dialogue with Iran and “play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation.”
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Wang also spoke with officials from Oman and Egypt, both key regional mediators. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed efforts to stabilize the region, though neither nation has directly intervened.
Iran is a key player in Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative and joined the China- and Russia-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2023, aimed at countering Western influence. Iran also participates in joint drills with China, including this year’s “Maritime Security Belt 2025” exercise with Russia in the Gulf of Oman. On Wednesday, Beijing is set to host a meeting of SCO defense ministers.
Despite Iran’s strategic role, China’s response is guided by broader priorities, according to the Soufan Center, a New York-based security think tank.
In an intelligence brief, the center noted that China’s support for partners confronting the U.S. remains “limited by a complex matrix of interests, including its desire to avoid alienating major economic partners and escalating tensions with the West."
Source: Agency