China Navigates US-Israel Strikes on Iran, Prioritizing Energy Security

Beijing is carefully calibrating its response to the recent US-Israel strikes on Iran, balancing its strategic partnership with Tehran with its critical need for stable energy supplies. The attacks, which included the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have prompted China to ramp up diplomatic efforts while simultaneously preparing to safeguard its energy security interests.

China’s Diplomatic Response

China has condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations, echoing concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated this stance, following telephone conversations between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his counterparts from Iran, Oman, and France.

Beijing has structured its position around three key axes: an immediate cessation of military operations, a return to dialogue, and opposition to unilateral actions. China has voiced its support for Iran in defending its sovereignty while also acknowledging the “legitimate security concerns” of Gulf countries.

Energy Security Concerns

As the world’s largest importer of crude oil, China is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in global energy flows, especially through the Strait of Hormuz. The possibility of contested access to this vital waterway is already driving up insurance costs and altering tanker routes, potentially leading to price increases even before physical supply is interrupted.

China imports approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports, roughly 1.7 million barrels a day. Mao Ning emphasized the need to safeguard the stability and smooth flow of energy supply, stating that China “will take necessary measures to protect its own energy security.”

Long-Term Strategic Planning

Despite the immediate challenges, China has been preparing for potential geopolitical shocks to its energy supply since the early 2010s. Beijing has reshaped its energy security strategy around the assumption that geopolitical shocks, sanctions, and maritime chokepoints will become recurring features of the international system.

China’s response to the current crisis mirrors its approach to the US abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January, offering diplomatic backing without direct military engagement.

Nuclear Negotiations

Regarding the nuclear issue, China maintains that Iran has a “legitimate right to peaceful use of nuclear energy” and that the matter should be resolved through political and diplomatic channels.

Key Takeaways

• China condemns the US-Israel strikes on Iran as a violation of international law.
• Energy security is a paramount concern for China, given its reliance on oil imports.
• China has been proactively preparing for geopolitical disruptions to its energy supply for over a decade.
• Beijing is prioritizing diplomatic solutions and avoiding direct military involvement.