America and Israel continue to attack Iran. Amidst all this, China is keeping a close eye on the situation, but the possibility of its direct intervention is considered less. China and Iran have close energy and strategic ties, as about 55 percent of China’s total oil imports in 2025 came from the Middle East, of which about 13 percent was from Iran.
Analysts believe that the attacks could affect oil supplies and shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which is worrying China. Yet Beijing has so far only made diplomatic statements and appealed to all parties to stop military action. It is being told that China no longer considers Iran as reliable as a regional power as before. In 2021, a 25-year agreement worth $400 billion was signed between the two countries, but many projects could not move forward. According to experts, China’s main goal is to maintain oil supply, and not to support any particular regime.
What was the situation in last year’s war?
Let us tell you that after Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June 2025, China made only formal diplomatic statements in support of the Islamic Republic. This week, in the official press conference of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, only the condemnation of the assassination of Ali Khamenei was given much emphasis. The ministry called on relevant parties, including Iran as well as the US and Israel, to halt military operations. The vocal support of respecting the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf countries shows that China is trying to maintain good relations with Iran as well as the Gulf countries.
Iran’s capability and credibility in doubt – China
Since the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Beijing has become increasingly frustrated with Tehran’s capability and credibility as a regional power. The confidence of Chinese strategists has also diminished because Iran has a tendency to bow to Western demands, rather than confront them. China feels this way because of its continued willingness to talk to Washington. At the same time, Beijing does not see regime change in Iran as a worst-case scenario. China is ready to work with any leadership that emerges after the attacks, provided it protects oil supplies and prioritizes shared economic interests.
Tehran is also afraid of the dragon!
To further strengthen their growing cooperation in the year 2021, both the countries signed a strategic cooperation agreement worth 400 billion dollars for 25 years, the purpose of which was to strengthen China-Iran economic and security relations, but according to the agreement, only a few projects have been completed. Tehran is concerned that China’s influence will threaten Iranian sovereignty and independence, and Beijing is frustrated by Tehran’s instability and unreliability.
Iran is far behind Saudi in GDP
Iranian population is 10 times that of Israel and 3 times that of Saudi Arabia, yet their GDP is less than 90 percent of Israel’s and only 25 percent of Saudi Arabia’s. Beijing estimates that Iran uses proxy wars to deter its adversaries, which overstates its capabilities and conceals Iran’s internal weaknesses.
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