China has strongly condemned Israel’s surprise military assault on Iran, warning that the situation could spiral out of control and cause widespread instability in the region. The strikes, which took place in the early hours of Friday morning, targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure and resulted in the deaths of six nuclear scientists. In response, Chinese officials have expressed deep concern and called for immediate de-escalation, while renewing their support for Iran’s sovereignty and strengthening ties built through a major $400 billion partnership.

China Issues Strong Warning After Israeli Attacks

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made Beijing’s position clear. “China is deeply worried about the potential serious consequences of these actions,” he said. “China opposes any violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and opposes actions that escalate tensions and expand the conflict.”

Lin went on to say that China does not believe any party benefits from the current crisis. “A sharp escalation of the regional situation is not in the interests of any party,” he stated. “China calls on all relevant parties to do more to promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of tensions. China is willing to play a constructive role in helping to de-escalate the situation.”

These statements reflect not only Beijing’s concern over the immediate violence but also its deeper commitment to Iran as a long-term strategic partner in the region. Over the past several years, China has invested heavily in Iran’s economy and defense cooperation, placing itself in direct opposition to Western efforts to isolate Tehran.

The $400 Billion China-Iran Agreement

At the heart of the China-Iran relationship is a sweeping 25-year agreement signed in 2021, which commits China to investing $400 billion in Iran. The deal includes projects in banking, telecommunications, railways, ports, health care, and information technology. In exchange, Iran has agreed to supply China with a steady flow of oil at a heavily discounted rate.

According to Iranian officials, this partnership marks a strategic shift away from the West and toward what they call a more “reliable” ally. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who signed the deal alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, said at the time, “China is a friend for hard times.” He added, “The history of cooperation between two ancient cultures of Iran and China dates back centuries. Signing the cooperation agreement will further strengthen the ties of the two nations.”

The agreement also contains provisions for deepening military cooperation. While many of the details remain classified, the original draft included plans for joint military exercises, joint research on weapons systems, and intelligence-sharing. The deal reflects Beijing’s broader ambition to increase its influence in the Middle East, a region long dominated by the United States and its allies.

Military and Technological Cooperation Against the West

Beyond economic investment, China and Iran have been quietly building a military and technological partnership. In early 2025, intelligence agencies confirmed that a Chinese cargo ship had delivered 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. Sodium perchlorate is a key ingredient used in the production of solid rocket fuel for mid-range ballistic missiles.

According to Western intelligence reports, this shipment likely helps Iran rebuild its missile program, which had been severely damaged by earlier Israeli strikes. One official noted, “This delivery points to Iran being not far from—or that they could already be back to—the production of its missiles.” Iran’s newer missiles, such as the Kheibar Shekan and Haj Qasem, are capable of reaching targets nearly 900 miles away, putting both Israel and U.S. bases in the region within range.

Chinese assistance has extended beyond physical materials. According to cybersecurity researchers, Chinese and Iranian hackers have used AI tools, including American-made software, to boost their cyberattack capabilities. A report by Google showed that both nations are using artificial intelligence to identify software vulnerabilities, create phishing attacks, and enhance code for offensive cyber operations. This partnership in cyberspace adds another layer to the growing cooperation between Beijing and Tehran.

China’s Resistance to U.S. Sanctions

For years, the United States has tried to isolate Iran by enforcing economic sanctions, particularly targeting its oil exports. But China has continued to buy Iranian oil, often through indirect channels such as ship-to-ship transfers and disguised shipments. Despite a crackdown in late 2024 by the Biden administration, Iranian oil exports to China rebounded quickly. By February 2025, exports were averaging over 1.7 million barrels per day, a figure that surprised analysts.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “We are committed to bringing the Iranians back down to 100,000 barrels-a-day of oil exports.” However, that goal has proven elusive. China’s energy needs, combined with its strategic desire to avoid dependence on American-controlled oil sources, have made Iran an important partner.

Hamed Vafayi, a professor at the University of Tehran, explained, “Looking at China’s foreign policy, we see that Beijing does not allow a third country to influence its bilateral ties.” He added that China is unlikely to abandon Iran, even as it works to maintain friendly relations with Arab states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

A Growing Alliance of Authoritarian Powers

The China-Iran partnership is part of a larger realignment on the world stage. Along with Russia, both countries have signaled their desire to challenge what they see as a U.S.-dominated international order. Together, they advocate for a multipolar world where no single country sets the rules. This shared ideology has led to joint military exercises, economic coordination, and political support in global forums like the United Nations and BRICS.

China has also supported Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and helped broker peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023. These moves show that Beijing is not just a passive economic partner—it is actively reshaping alliances in the region to serve its long-term goals.

ACZ Editor: China is not directly participating in the defense of Iran, the know that to intervene would a) destroy Iran and b) lead to a global war. China probably agrees that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon, but this issue is such a thorn in the side of West that they are letting it fester.

We have noted before that the China-Iran-Russia axis with their allied partisans is not held together by common interests and common culture, but more as a group with common animosity to the U.S. What this means is that this alliance will fall apart when the U.S. is not involved as afoe. It also means that China does not have a strong common cause with Iran – in fact China is known for persecuting Muslims.

We believe China will not enter this conflict overtly, but it could very well be that this conflict will be an excuse for China’s other actions, including an attack on Taiwan. I.e. “we stayed out of your business, not you stay out of ours.”