As tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, China’s role is under growing scrutiny. How far would Beijing go to support Iran — and where are the limits if conflict broke out with the US?

China has issued one of its strongest geopolitical warnings in years, cautioning that any U.S. military action against Iran could plunge the Middle East—and beyond—into uncontrollable chaos. The warning comes as U.

Iran, Russia, and China conducted joint military drills near the Strait of Hormuz as US threats against Iran intensify and regional actors prepare for possible escalation.

China is currently constructing the Sarakhs railway terminal on the Turkmenistan–Iran border, a project expected to accelerate container transport along the China–Central Asia–Iran–Turkey–EU and Gulf routes. In August 2025, Iranian authorities reported that more than half of the project had been completed.

Claims that China carried out a large military airlift to Iran in late January spread quickly online. U.S. officials say the story is false and distracts from the more limited reality of Beijing’s

Tensions are rapidly escalating in the Middle East as Iran prepares for major joint naval exercises with China and Russia near the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical global trade and oil chokepoints.

Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov discusses closer military cooperation with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun.

China’s partnership with Iran is driven primarily by discounted oil and shared opposition to U.S. pressure, not ideological loyalty. Beijing’s extensive oil stockpiles and diversified suppliers reduce its exposure to disruptions in Iranian exports.

China has warned the United States against taking any military action in Iran, calling such moves “military adventurism” that could plunge West Asia into chaos. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC),

Iran plans to hold joint naval exercises with China and Russia in the northern Indian Ocean region in mid-February, Iranian media reported on Saturday amid elevated tensions with the US.

Iran faces rising logistical expenses—from ship-to-ship transfers to tanker reflagging—meaning it pays more just to sell each barrel.