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Relations (1)
related 6.64 — strongly supporting 80 facts
China and Iran maintain a multifaceted relationship characterized by China's role as a diplomatic mediator, notably in the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement [1], [2], [3], and as a critical economic partner for Iran's oil exports [4], [5], [6]. Furthermore, the two nations are linked through strategic cooperation agreements [7], shared participation in international frameworks like the JCPOA [8], [9], and mutual geopolitical interests in the region [10], [11], [12].
Facts (80)
Sources
Iran Responds to Operation Epic Fury with Layered Military, Cyber ... hstoday.us 8 facts
claimThe partnership between Iran, China, and Russia reduces the likelihood of UN Security Council action against Iran and provides economic and technological pathways that mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
claimThe trilateral strategic pact between Iran, China, and Russia provides diplomatic cover, intelligence cooperation, economic resilience, and technological support, though it does not constitute a mutual defense treaty.
claimIran's potential acquisition of China's CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles would significantly increase the risk to U.S. naval assets in the Persian Gulf.
claimIran's retaliatory posture is strengthened by a trilateral strategic pact with China and Russia, signed on 29 January 2026.
claimIran's response to Operation Epic Fury is a pre-planned, multi-domain framework that combines kinetic attacks, cyber disruption, proxy activation, and geopolitical alignment with China and Russia to impose costs while avoiding overwhelming U.S. retaliation.
claimIran, China, and Russia signed a trilateral strategic pact on January 29, 2026.
claimChina has reportedly provided Iran with satellite imagery and early warning data on U.S. force deployments, and Chinese surveillance vessels have monitored U.S. naval operations in the region.
claimReports of a rapid Chinese airlift of cargo aircraft to Iran suggest logistical support or the delivery of defense components, while cyber cooperation may enhance Iranian offensive capabilities.
A Status Quo Power in a Changing Region: Iran's Regionalism in ... cambridge.org 7 facts
claimIran's 'Look to the East' policy aims to establish strategic relations with China, Russia, and India, while simultaneously strengthening ties with neighboring countries in Eurasia.
claimIran's geographic position places it in proximity to India, China, and Russia.
claimIran seeks to foster relations with non-Western global powers, specifically Russia and China, to gain support against the West.
claimFor the first time in over a century, Eastern countries, led by China and India, have become Iran's main economic partners.
claimThe establishment of the Middle Corridor would diminish the influence of Russia, Iran, and China in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, while simultaneously elevating the roles of Turkey and the European Union in Eurasian geoeconomic affairs.
claimThe operationalization of the Turkey-Nakhchivan-Baku route could position Turkey as a favored partner for China in West Asia, sidelining Iran in the South Caucasus transit dynamics.
claimThe Belt and Road Initiative's proposed Northern Corridor would traverse Iranian territory, stretching from China through Central Asia and Iran to Turkey or the Mediterranean.
Iran in crisis: the landscape after the Twelve-Day War - OSW osw.waw.pl 6 facts
claimTrade between Iran and Russia and China is currently based on barter arrangements.
measurementCurrently, 90% of Iran's oil exports are sold to China at discounted prices.
accountRussia and China unsuccessfully attempted to block the reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran.
claimIran failed to secure meaningful political or military support from its nominal allies, Russia and China, during the Twelve-Day War.
claimChina has faced accusations of supplying Iran with materials and technologies for producing missiles.
claimIran relies on its own resources and modest external assistance from China, Russia, and Belarus to rebuild its defensive capabilities.
Cybersecurity Trends and Predictions 2025 From Industry Insiders itprotoday.com 5 facts
claimThe next U.S. presidential administration will face a surge in cyber aggression from China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.
claimIn 2025, threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are expected to increase, with ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) activity escalating as many ransomware groups are backed by nation-state governments.
claimThe healthcare industry will experience heightened risk for potentially devastating cyberattacks in 2025, driven by escalating geopolitical conflicts involving Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
claimSophisticated targeting of perimeter devices through custom malware provides privileged access to networks, making these devices high-value targets for state-sponsored actors like China, with Iran potentially following this trend in 2025.
claimAdversarial nation-states, including Russia, China, and Iran, sponsor malicious actors who conduct reconnaissance to identify vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure sectors such as healthcare, water, energy, and telecommunications.
5 key factors shaping Iran's foreign policy calculus mei.edu 5 facts
perspectiveIran's diplomatic overtures to the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China likely signify pragmatic moves for short-term benefit rather than fundamental ideological shifts in foreign policy.
claimIran's growing ties with Russia and China are primarily a strategy to counter United States sanctions.
claimThe 2023 China-brokered rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia represents a tactical move toward de-escalation, though long-term Gulf stability remains uncertain.
claimThe involvement of Russia and China in proxy dynamics complicates Iran's influence, with accusations that Russia provides intelligence and arms to the Houthis, making Iranian control over these groups more tenuous.
claimIran uses partnerships with Russia and China to maintain leverage while engaging in cautious dialogue with the United States.
Iran Country Report 2026 - BTI Transformation Index bti-project.org 4 facts
claimReformists and moderates in Iran have historically favored closer ties with the West, whereas hardliners have prioritized relationships with non-Western powers, specifically China and Russia.
measurementAccording to 2020 World Bank data, Iran’s simple average tariff rate was 15.2%, which is significantly higher than the rates of key trading partners such as Türkiye, China, and Russia.
claimIran's treaties with Beijing and Moscow symbolize growing ties, although the specific commitments under these treaties remain vague.
measurementIran signed a 25-year Cooperation Program with China in 2021.
How China and Russia View the Iran War Differently isdp.eu 4 facts
claimChina maintains a strategy of simultaneous engagement with Iran, Israel, and the Gulf monarchies to remain economically embedded across rival blocs.
claimChina's foreign policy approach to Iran is driven by long-term economic calculus, viewing Iran as an energy supplier, a logistical node in connectivity projects, and a partner within the Global South.
claimChina views the Iran-related war as an opportunity to reinforce its image as a responsible power capable of managing crises without escalation, aiming to recover from the image loss it suffered during the Ukraine War due to its support for Russia.
claimChina and Russia both oppose Western dominance, criticize Israeli military actions, and maintain close ties with Iran.
Opportunities for Collective Regional Security in the Middle East carnegieendowment.org 3 facts
accountIn the spring of 2023, China brokered a diplomatic agreement that restored diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which had been severed in 2016.
claimBy October 7, 2023, Iran reestablished diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia through Chinese mediation, which facilitated relative stability in Yemen.
accountIn the spring of 2023, China brokered a diplomatic agreement that restored diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which had been severed in 2016 due to hostilities in Yemen.
How the war in Ukraine changed Russia's global standing | Brookings brookings.edu 3 facts
claimThree years after the invasion of Ukraine began, Russia has increased its influence in parts of the Global South and formed alliances with China, Iran, and North Korea, all of which share a commitment to a “post-Western” order.
claimThe 'Axis of Upheaval' is less a formal axis and more a result of Russia strengthening bilateral relations with China, Iran, and North Korea to benefit from their military support for the war in Ukraine.
claimSince the war in Ukraine began, Russia has joined China, Iran, and North Korea in a group some have termed an 'Axis of Upheaval,' characterized by countries seeking to disrupt the current international order and diminish American power.
The Implications Of Iran's Failed Proxy Strategy - Hoover Institution hoover.org 3 facts
claimRussia and China are unwilling or unable to defend Iran against direct military attacks or domestic uprisings.
claimRecent Israeli strikes against Iran demonstrated that Russia and China do not defend Iran against direct military attacks.
claimIran's alliances with Russia and China provide limited support and do not protect the Iranian regime from its vulnerabilities.
The crises in the Middle East: reshaping the region's geopolitical ... link.springer.com 2 facts
referenceInternational actors (the US, EU, China, and Russia) and regional powers (Iran, Turkey, and Egypt) have not played a constructive role in facilitating meaningful negotiations or supporting confidence-building measures for the Arab-Israeli conflict due to their own conflicts of interest and hegemonies, according to Kochavi (2024).
claimChina and Russia are utilizing the BRICS platform and regional powers like Iran and Turkey to support Russian strategic plans and undermine United States hegemony.
The Middle East Conflict and the Future of the Region's Political Order internationalaffairs.org.au 2 facts
accountThe Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was concluded in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 powers, which included the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany.
referenceThe 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the P5+1 powers (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany) required Iran to limit uranium enrichment to 3.67 percent, reduce its enriched uranium stockpile to approximately 300 kilograms, and allow International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring of its nuclear facilities in exchange for the lifting of nuclear-related economic sanctions.
Sustainability through business model innovation and climate ... nature.com 2 facts
claimThe Asian subset of countries analyzed in the research includes India, Iran, China, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
claimThe Asian sample in the study comprises 11 developing countries: India, Iran, China, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Iran and the Gulf: Why Hedging Is No Longer Enough warontherocks.com 2 facts
measurementThe United Arab Emirates was Iran's second-largest trading partner after China in 2024, with trade volume reaching $28.2 billion.
procedureThe process of institutionalized cooperation between Iran and Gulf states involves two primary steps: (1) agreeing to and activating joint principles at a faster pace than the 2023 China-brokered Iran–Saudi rapprochement, and (2) working on tangible projects such as a joint maritime security strategy and a new regional security architecture.
Editorials Supporting an Iran Nuclear Deal, January - September 2015 armscontrol.org 2 facts
claimThe StarTribune editorial board noted that 47 Senate Republicans ignored the perspectives of London, Paris, Berlin, Beijing, and Moscow regarding the Iran nuclear negotiations.
claimThe 47 Republican senators who signed an open letter to Iran are ignoring perspectives from London, Paris, Berlin, Beijing, and Moscow regarding nuclear negotiations.
The Iran Proxy Shield and Its Automated Axis of Resistence specialeurasia.com 2 facts
claimAs of early 2026, Iranian proxies have transitioned from assembling Samad kits to fully fabricating airframes and warheads domestically in hardened underground facilities, utilizing Chinese-sourced components and 3D-printing technologies to circumvent blockades.
claimAs of March 2026, Iranian-designed proxy systems are being augmented by Chinese anti-stealth radars and navigation, reflecting the role of the CRINK (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea) alliance.
Domestic and International Factors Affecting Iranian Foreign Policy ... academia.edu 1 fact
referenceM. Eshari Ahrari published 'Iran, China and Russia: The Emerging Anti-US Nexus?' in Security Dialogue in 2001, which examines the potential anti-US relationship between Iran, China, and Russia.
Geopolitical, Strategic, and Humanitarian Implications of ... ardd-jo.org 1 fact
claimChina has limited its engagement in the Middle East to economic activities and selective diplomacy, most notably by brokering the Iran-Saudi rapprochement in 2023.
Iran at a Historical Crossroads - E-International Relations e-ir.info 1 fact
accountIran re-established diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia in 2023 through a China-brokered reconciliation agreement, a move intended to reduce regional isolation and attract investment.
Global dietary quality in 185 countries from 1990 to 2018 show wide ... nature.com 1 fact
measurementAmong the most populous countries, the largest absolute improvement in the AHEI score between 1990 and 2018 occurred in Iran (+12.0), the United States (+4.6), Vietnam (+4.5), and China (+4.3).
How China and Russia View the Iran War Differently nationalinterest.org 1 fact
claimChina's preferred role in the Iran-related crisis is that of a mediator, emphasizing ceasefire, dialogue, and political settlement in its official statements.
Global overview of dietary outcomes and dietary intake assessment ... link.springer.com 1 fact
measurementStudies on diet in maritime settings were conducted in the UK, Germany, Denmark, Iran, India, China, Croatia, Italy, Brazil, the Philippines, Lithuania, and Poland, in addition to the United States.
Cyber Warfare in 2026: Trends, Threats, AI & Global Risks eccu.edu 1 fact
claimThe cyber threat landscape includes nation-states (specifically the United States, China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) operating alongside anonymous hacking groups, private cyber mercenary firms, ideologically motivated hacktivists, and organized cybercriminal syndicates.
Consequences of the Russia-Ukraine War and the Changing Face ... rand.org 1 fact
referenceMeredith Reid Sarkees and Frank Wayman documented a list of historical conflicts and their major participants in their 2010 book 'Resort to War: 1816–2007', including the Crimean War (1853–1856, France/Great Britain/Ottoman Empire/Russia), the Lopez War (1864–1870, Argentina/Brazil/Paraguay/Uruguay), the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878, Russia/Ottoman Empire), the Boer War (1899–1902, Great Britain/Boers), the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905, Japan/Russia), the Russo-Polish War (1919–1921, Poland/Soviet Union), the Italo-Ethiopian War (1935–1936, Ethiopia/Italy), the Korean War (1950–1953, United States/North Korea/China/South Korea), the Vietnam War (1965–1975, United States/South Vietnam/North Vietnam), the Sino-Vietnamese War (1979–1987, Vietnam/China), the Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989, Soviet Union/Afghanistan), and the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988, Iran/Iraq).
U.S.-China Relations cfr.org 1 fact
perspectiveIn a September 2005 speech, Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick initiated a strategic dialogue with China, calling on Beijing to act as a 'responsible stakeholder' by using its influence to draw nations such as Sudan, North Korea, and Iran into the international system.
The Impact and Implications of the Ukraine Crisis - Interpret interpret.csis.org 1 fact
claimThe United States and Europe are expanding the definition of national security to impose multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia and forcibly decouple from the Russian economy, while Russia is hedging by strengthening cooperation with China, Iran, Turkey, and other countries.
From FOIAs to planes, Jeffrey Epstein's brushes with the CIA sashaingber.substack.com 1 fact
claimFormer Norwegian diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen regularly emailed Jeffrey Epstein with links to articles concerning the CIA, Russia, Israel, Iran, and China.
Tracing the geopolitical influence and regional power dynamics in ... link.springer.com 1 fact
claimIran has utilized bilateral relations while joining the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and pursuing membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization with backing from China and Russia.
Twenty questions (and expert answers) about the Iran war atlanticcouncil.org 1 fact
measurementChina was buying approximately 80 percent of Iran's oil exports, but those purchases accounted for less than 15 percent of China's total oil imports.
From Arab Spring to regional reset: Saudi-Iranian rivalry ... - Frontiers frontiersin.org 1 fact
referenceN. Baghernia's 2024 article, 'China's marginal involvement in the 2023 Iran–Saudi Arabia reconciliation,' analyzes the role of China in the diplomatic reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Cross-cultural similarities and variations in parent-child value ... nature.com 1 fact
claimPoliteness is a common shared value across different societies, though it is contextualized differently, such as 'adab' in Iran, 'guan' in China, and 'tata krama' in Indonesia.
War in Ukraine | Global Conflict Tracker - Council on Foreign Relations cfr.org 1 fact
claimRussia maintains partnerships with North Korea and Iran, which share intelligence and military equipment, and with India and China, which purchase Russian oil and gas at discounted prices.
Energy asset stranding in resource-rich developing countries and ... frontiersin.org 1 fact
claimGermany maintains energy partnership agreements with Algeria, Angola, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Norway, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, USA, and Uzbekistan.
China-U.S. Relations in 2024 chinausfocus.com 1 fact
claimSome Western scholars and media outlets claim that Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Syria are forming a new camp opposing the West, often including China in this group.
How Jeffrey Epstein's intelligence ties go back decades middleeasteye.net 1 fact
claimDouglas Leese allegedly facilitated a $1.3 billion arms sale between China and Iran in 1983.
Strategic analysis of cyber conflicts: A game-theoretic modelling of ... securityanddefence.pl 1 fact
referenceThe authors of the study 'Strategic analysis of cyber conflicts: A game-theoretic modelling of global cyber' selected six significant cyber conflict cases for analysis: Russian cyber interventions in the 2016 US elections (Jamieson, 2018), Venezuela’s cyberattack on Brazil’s energy grid in 2015 (Bronk and Tikk-Ringas, 2013), the 2007 Estonia–Russia cyber conflict (Herzog, 2011), cyber tensions during the 2020 China–India border crisis (Sharma, 2020), the Stuxnet attack on Iran in 2010 (Farwell and Rohozinski, 2011), and cyber manipulation attempts in the 2019 South African elections (Garnett and James, 2020).