China strongly criticized the joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran but avoided offering Tehran direct military support, underscoring Beijing’s long-standing strategy of diplomatic backing without direct intervention.
Beijing confirmed one Chinese national was killed in Iran and evacuated 3,000 citizens. It joined Russia in calling an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the strikes and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling the actions unacceptable.
What’s behind China’s careful response to its ally Iran after US-Israel strikes? https://t.co/zy4zdmB9KN
— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) March 3, 2026
Still, analysts say Beijing is playing a long game, seeking to expand Iran’s economic dependence on China while avoiding entanglement in war.
The two nations elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016 under President Xi Jinping. A 25-year cooperation deal signed in 2021 deepened energy and security links.
China opposes Iran obtaining nuclear weapons but supports peaceful nuclear energy under international law.
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TIPP Staff
