People’s Republic Of China Adopts A Non Partisan Stand About US War With Iran.

Beijing; March 2026: The People’s Republic Of China (PRC) on March 01 have condemned the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and called it a violation of Iranian sovereignty. Followed by, on 03rd March PRC has advocated for a ceasefire in Iran and the protection of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated this sentiment in a March 04 press conference.

The Strait is a critical location for the global oil trade. China purchases an estimated 90% of Iran’s global oil exports, making protection of the Strait essential for PRC economic interests. The war threatens PRC shipping throughout the region; PRC shipping giant COSCO reported on 04th March that it had suspended new operations in the Middle East.

China’s economic ties to Iran and indirect reliance on Iranian proxy networks suggest that China favours the Iranian regime’s survival. While China benefits from Iranian support to Houthi militants, who target US shipping in the Red Sea but largely refrain from harming PRC vessels. China instituted a comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran in 2016 following CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping’s visit to Iran. They had signed a comprehensive cooperation plan in 2021 and implemented it in 2022. A 2021 readout stipulated that China opposed US sanctions against Iran and stated that Iran and China would embrace “strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation”.

It is mention worthy that there is no substantial evidence in believing that PRC has provided any material support to Iran since the beginning of this conflict. Alongside on 02nd March, China has denied allegations that it is finalising efforts to supply CM-302 supersonic antiship missiles to Iran and called on “relevant parties” to help “ease tensions”.

Prominent PRC political leaders have echoed this sentiment. Hong Kong-based media outlet South China Morning Post quoted former PLA senior colonel Zhou Bo, who said that PRC military aid to Iran “makes no sense”. Director of PRC think tank South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative Hu Bo similarly said that PRC-Iran military ties are “far below what the outside world assumes”.

China will most likely use the conflict to rhetorically signal opposition to US actions while highlighting its own leadership and mediation efforts, similar to the signaling pertinent to the Russia-Ukraine war. China Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on March 02 that it was not notified of US intentions before the strikes.

China has rhetorically criticised US actions and amplified International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi’s statement that “the IAEA has not seen a systematic nuclear weapons program in Iran”. China seeks to cast itself as a leader among “Global South” nations, portraying itself as a peaceful mediator and advocate. PRC Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on March 4 that China would send a “special envoy” to address regional tensions and similarly backed Saudi Arabia’s call to handle the conflict peacefully. China’s support to Iran will likely remain rhetorical, however, as China balances protecting its economic interests against its reputation, particularly among neighboring Middle East countries. China Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed concern about the “spillover effects” of the conflict on neighbouring countries in a March 03 press conference.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq, longtime rivals of Iran, are both major trading partners of China; China likely fears compromising its relationship with neighboring states and will thus restrict the support it gives Iran. China is similarly wary of damaging its relationship with the United States. CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping will meet with US President Donald Trump between March 31st and April 02nd. China likely seeks to avoid an appearance of direct support to the Iranian regime as the meeting approaches.

Team Maverick.