In light of the large-scale attack launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026, China adopted a stance focused on diplomatic condemnation and indirect technical and military support for Iran, while also taking precautionary measures for its citizens. As tensions escalated on February 28, 2026, China pursued a defensive strategy toward Iran, relying on indirect technological and military support rather than direct military intervention. Given the current US and Israeli attacks, Beijing’s efforts are concentrated on the following tracks: strengthening military deterrence and expediting arms deals, specifically China’s arming of Iran with anti-ship missiles to counter US and Israeli attacks. Iran is nearing completion of a deal to purchase Chinese CM-302 cruise missiles. These are supersonic missiles designed to penetrate ship defenses and threaten naval forces in the region. In addition to China’s accelerated efforts to supply Iran with air defense systems, negotiations between China and Iran have intensified to provide Tehran with man-portable air defense systems, which the military knows as MANPADS, and anti-ballistic missile and anti-satellite weapons to enhance its ability to repel air raids. China is working to compensate for Iran’s military losses, having been working for some time to rebuild Iran’s missile capabilities to replace those lost during previous conflicts. This includes providing ballistic missile components and dual-use civilian-military materials.
China is also working to supply Iran with cyber defense and technological systems. By supporting Tehran with alternative cyber and technological systems, China began implementing a strategy in January 2026 to replace Western software in Iran with secure, closed Chinese systems that are difficult to penetrate. This aims to reduce the risk of cyber sabotage by Mossad and the CIA. China is keen to enhance Iran’s digital sovereignty, a goal reflected in its “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan” (2026-2030) provisions to enhance cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in Iran as essential tools for protecting Iranian cyberspace.
Here, China was keen to provide all means of technical and military support (before and during the escalation) against Iran, through supplying Chinese drones to Iran. Intelligence reports on February 27, 2026, indicated that China sent “loitering munitions” (kamikaze drones) and air defense systems to Iran shortly before the attack began. Along with China supplying Iran with missile programs, negotiations continued between Beijing and Tehran to supply Iran with CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, a technology that is difficult to intercept and is considered a game-changer in the region. Along with providing cybersecurity to Iran, China began in January 2026 a strategy to support Iranian digital sovereignty by replacing Western software with closed Chinese systems to protect against Israeli and American cyberattacks. With China rebuilding Iran’s missile capabilities, China contributed to compensating for Iran’s weapons losses following the 2025 attacks, including the provision of advanced ballistic missiles.
While China began diplomatic and political action to support its ally Iran in international forums, it condemned and rejected the use of force to forcibly change the political system in Iran. China also strongly condemned the use of military force and strikes targeting Iranian facilities, considering them a violation of the UN Charter. China was quick to condemn Israeli and American military operations against Iran, deeming them a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of the UN Charter. The Chinese Foreign Ministry affirmed its support for Iran in preserving its security, national dignity, and legitimate rights, opposing what it described as “unilateralism” by Washington. Beijing called on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid further regional escalation that could lead to dire consequences in the region and jeopardize its significant investments in Belt and Road Initiative projects in the region.
In this context, China exercised its right. China has repeatedly vetoed resolutions supporting Iran at the UN Security Council. Beijing uses its influence in the Security Council to obstruct resolutions imposing additional sanctions or authorizing military action against Iran, while consistently calling for dialogue and restraint. Following the planned military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2016, China took measures to protect its citizens within Iran. Alongside its strategic support for Iran, China urged its citizens in Iran to leave immediately and advised against travel to the country on February 17 and 28, 2016, due to the deteriorating security situation and the commencement of large-scale military operations against Tehran. Hours before the major attack on Iran, China called on its citizens in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible,” due to the escalating security risks. Furthermore, Israel raised its alert level to maximum. The Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv advised its citizens there to strengthen their personal security measures and remain prepared for emergencies, given the anticipated military strikes against Iranian territory by Washington and Tel Aviv.
Given the recent military developments in February 2026, a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran would have significant economic and political repercussions for China, due to its deep strategic partnership with Tehran. China’s most prominent potential losses include a threat to energy security and oil supplies, as imports would be affected, especially since China relies heavily on Iranian oil. Any large-scale attack that threatens oil facilities or disrupts shipping in the Gulf would lead to a severe shortage of supplies and a dramatic price surge. China also fears the potential for trade disruptions, as such attacks against Iran might force Beijing to alter its oil smuggling or import strategies used to circumvent previous US sanctions on Iran, thus increasing energy costs.
Furthermore, China fears the disruption of its investments and strategic projects in Iran and the region, particularly in light of the 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Iran. China has invested billions of dollars in Iranian infrastructure, communications, and ports under this strategic cooperation agreement. Therefore, the destruction of this Iranian infrastructure represents a direct and significant capital loss for Beijing. China also fears the impact on its Belt and Road Initiative projects, as Iran is a vital link for the Chinese initiative in the Middle East, and instability there hinders China’s expansionist ambitions in the region.
Furthermore, these attacks against Iran will cause direct economic pressure on Tehran, including the collapse of the Iranian market. Given that China is Iran’s largest trading partner, a full-scale war would mean the loss of a huge consumer market for Chinese exports, in addition to the freezing of Iranian debts owed to Chinese companies. There is also the possibility of China being drawn into the conflict: Here, China finds itself facing difficult choices: either to let its ally fall (a strategic loss) or to support Iran and face harsh secondary US sanctions on its companies and its international financial system. For all these reasons, China strongly condemned these US-Israeli military attacks on Iran, warning that “any military adventure will push the region into the abyss of the unknown,” and called for an immediate return to dialogue to protect its direct interests.
Therefore, Beijing views the US-Israeli attack on Iran as a “crucial test” of its influence in the region. Its failure to prevent the attack through diplomatic channels could weaken its image as a superpower capable of protecting its allies. China also considered the military strikes on Iran a dangerous legal precedent. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities as a “bad precedent” that violates international law, potentially opening the door to similar interventions in other areas of Chinese influence.
