China backs Iran war with missile supplies while slashing oil imports

Since the outbreak of the war in Iran, the People's Republic of China has cut its imports of Iranian crude by about 40%, tapped its strategic oil reserves and redirected purchases to other suppliers. Publicly, Beijing calls for a cease‑fire, offers mediation and repeatedly says it does not ship weapons to Tehran.

U.S. intelligence reports indicate that China is nevertheless providing Iran with portable air‑defence missile systems, including up to 400 QW‑12 and FN‑16 units valued at $60‑70 million, and is negotiating sales of supersonic anti‑ship missiles (CM‑302). Chinese firms also supply electronic components, chemical precursors and navigation hardware that support Iran’s rocket and drone programmes. The dual‑track approach reflects a broader Chinese strategy of maintaining economic ties while keeping official rhetoric neutral.