China Prioritizes Energy and Diplomacy Over Iran Support

An Iranian flag is mounted on a damaged car following a strike on a police station, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 4, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA via REUTERS
An Iranian flag is mounted on a damaged car following a strike on a police station, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 4, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA via REUTERS

By Peter CATTERALL

China has expressed its anger over Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iran, but, despite hits to its oil imports, will not risk its interests by confronting Washington and helping its long-standing partner, analysts say.

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