Why China’s Support for Iran Has Limits

China is Iran’s most important economic partner, buying some 90% of its oil exports and providing a financial lifeline to the heavily sanctioned regime. But when US and Israeli strikes began to pummel Iran, Beijing showed little support for Tehran’s defense besides criticizing the attacks.

The reasons go beyond military restraint. The relationship between China and Iran is more lopsided and less strategic than commonly assumed. Beijing’s investment in Iran has fallen dramatically short of headline agreements, its military ties are limited and its broader Middle East strategy depends on balancing relations with Iran’s regional rivals.