Research indicates China imports approximately 13 percent of its oil from Iran. The Strait of Hormuz has been virtually closed since the attack, with daily vessel transits dropping from over 153 to an average of 13. China imports up to 40 percent of its oil and 30 percent of its LNG through the strait.
Chinese tanker and container ships have all but ceased transits since the conflict began. A senior IRGC adviser announced Iran would attack any vessel attempting to pass, and at least five commercial ships were targeted within 24 hours of that statement. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran purchased thousands of tons of military components from China before the war.
China has the upper hand because of its dominance in rare earths and diplomatic leverage in the Iran war, which could allow Beijing to extract concessions.
Maariv reported that cargo flights from China disappeared from radar near the Iranian border, sparking suspicion of Chinese military support. However, researcher Tuvia Gering debunked the rumor, stating the planes belonged to Luxembourg cargo airline Cargolux and had stopped over in Turkmenistan. Separately, research indicates China has reportedly been delivering military equipment to Iran, including kamikaze drones and air-defense capabilities.
China and Pakistan presented a five-point peace initiative on March 31 for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East. Some Western media accuse China of abandoning its ally Iran. China's official position calls for restraint and respect for sovereignty, and it has engaged in consultations and shuttle diplomacy.
Trump's advisers are concerned he's heading into a summit he's not adequately prepared for.
A summit between Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump is scheduled for May 2026. A prominent commentator described China as having the upper hand due to its dominance in rare earths and diplomatic leverage, while Ian Bremmer described Trump's advisers as concerned he is heading into the summit unprepared. A former US diplomat noted the US retains an advantage through its superiority in chips and AI.