In the wake of Israel’s assault on Iran almost two weeks ago, China, an enduring ally of Iran, reacted swiftly in terms of verbal actions. Beijing’s government quickly condemned the strikes. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, conversed with Russia’s President to promote a ceasefire, and China’s foreign minister spoke with Iran’s foreign minister. However, China’s support ended there. Despite lofty statements calling for de-escalation and dialogue, China did not provide tangible support.
While China holds significant influence as a strategic rival to the United States and desires a greater role globally, the nation held back from offering Iran military assistance or engaging directly in the crisis. This restraint showcased the obstacles China encounters in influencing the Middle East. “China lacks both diplomatic skills and the willingness to take risks to effectively intervene in this swiftly evolving and unpredictable landscape,” remarked a renowned analyst with the RAND Corporation’s China Research Center.
China, given its substantial economic and energy stakes in the Middle East yet minimal military sway, is hesitant to extend itself, the analyst added. Consequently, China’s government prefers to act as a prudent, risk-averse player.
Zhu Feng, a leader at Nanjing University’s International Relations School, noted that turbulence in the Middle East does not align with China’s interests. “For China, conflicts between Israel and Iran threaten China’s business interests and economic security,” he stated. “This scenario is precisely what China wishes to avoid.”
When plans emerged in Iran’s parliament about potentially closing the crucial Strait of Hormuz, China voiced opposition. “China urges international communities to bolster efforts to defuse conflicts and curb the spillover of regional instability on global economic development,” stated a Chinese foreign ministry representative. Following the announcement of a ceasefire, the U.S. President Donald Trump indicated through social media that China could resume purchasing Iranian oil, implying the ceasefire would prevent disruptions in Iran’s oil production.
Reports by the U.S. Energy Information Administration from 2024 indicated that a vast majority of Iran’s oil exports were destined for China. Without Iran’s supply of approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil daily, China’s economy might find it hard to maintain industrial outputs.
According to Craig Singleton, an expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, China’s response is primarily characterized by continuous oil purchases and repeated calls for ‘dialogue.’ “That sums up their approach,” Singleton noted. “No drones, no missile parts, no emergency financial aid—just carefully chosen words to soothe Tehran without provoking Riyadh or risking U.S. repercussions.”
The restrained response from China also highlights the disparity between China’s ambitious rhetoric as a world power and its actual influence in the Middle East. As Singleton put it, “China’s presence in the Gulf is largely commercial, lacking military readiness. In times of missile threats, its grand strategic partnership with Iran boils down to statements. Beijing’s interest lies in acquiring discounted Iranian oil and maintaining a facade of peace advocacy, leaving Washington to tackle the harder military challenges.”
China conveyed alignment with Iran, committing to mediation endeavours
From the onset of the confrontation, China, which was instrumental in mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023, maintained its alliance with Iran and advocated for dialogue. At the United Nations, China joined forces with Russia and Pakistan to propose a resolution condemning attacks on Iran’s peaceful nuclear sites, insisting on an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” despite anticipations of a veto from the United States.
In response to Israel’s strikes, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, communicated with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, asserting that “China sternly denounces Israel’s infringement on Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.” Furthermore, Wang expressed China’s readiness to remain in contact with Iran and other relevant entities to continue exerting a constructive influence on de-escalating tensions.
Wang further engaged with Oman’s and Egypt’s foreign ministers, countries playing pivotal mediation roles in the region. Later, prior to U.S. military involvement, China’s President Xi held discussions with Russia’s President Putin, agreeing to maintain close communication on the Iran issue and advance de-escalation efforts. Yet, China refrained from direct involvement, and Russia’s responses to the Israel-Iran conflict remained subdued.
Iran holds a vital place in Xi’s extensive Belt and Road Initiative, joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2023, a security alliance by Russia and China to counter NATO. Iran has conducted joint military exercises with China, such as this year’s “Maritime Security Belt 2025” drill, which also involved Russia. On Wednesday, Beijing is planning a defense ministers’ meeting of SCO member countries.
Despite Iran’s significance to China, it is only a piece of Beijing’s broader strategy, according to a report by the Soufan Center—a New York entity focused on global security concerns. The center noted in a briefing that the conflict unveiled the restricted nature of China’s support for its allies confronting the United States, shaped by a web of interests, including a desire to avoid alienating significant economic partners and stoking tensions with Western nations.