Is China Quietly Aiding Iran In Attacking Israel?

As Israel intensifies its military campaign against Iran, a second Chinese transport plane has reportedly landed in Iran, sparking fears that Beijing is quietly bolstering its strategic ally. With Iran as China’s largest oil provider, the escalating conflict threatens to disrupt Beijing’s energy security and economy, prompting speculation about the extent of China’s involvement. Amid unverified claims of military aid and confirmed diplomatic support, the so-called “Red-Green Alliance” between China and Iran is under scrutiny. Could Beijing’s economic dependence on Iranian oil and its anti-Western axis push it to intervene in this volatile conflict?

Second Transport Plane Lands in Iran

In the last 24 hours, social media reports have claimed that a second Chinese cargo plane touched down in Iran, following an earlier flight. These planes, allegedly carrying unknown cargo, have fueled speculation of military aid, with some suggesting drones, air defense radar parts, or other equipment. The claims remain unverified, lacking evidence like flight tracking data or official statements. However, the timing—amid Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites since June 13, 2025—raises alarms about China’s intentions.

No major news outlets, including Reuters, Al Jazeera, or The Times of Israel, have confirmed these shipments. The absence of credible reporting suggests the claims may be exaggerated or misinformation, a common issue on platforms like X during geopolitical crises. Still, the reports highlight growing concerns about China’s role, especially as Iran faces mounting pressure from Israel’s military superiority.

China’s Oil Dependence and Economic Stakes

Iran is China’s largest oil supplier, accounting for approximately 15% of its crude oil imports. In 2023, China purchased over 700,000 barrels per day from Iran, often through a “shadow fleet” of tankers that evade Western sanctions by using fake locations, repainted ships, and rebranded oil. This illicit trade, facilitated by small Chinese “teapot” refineries, saved Beijing an estimated $10 billion in 2023 alone.

The Iran-China 25-year Cooperation Program, signed in 2021, underscores this relationship. China committed $400 billion to Iran’s economy, including oil, gas, and infrastructure, in exchange for heavily discounted oil. This deal has been a lifeline for Iran, generating over $50 billion annually, half of which funds the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). For China, Iran’s oil is critical to sustaining its energy-intensive economy, and any disruption—such as Israel targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure—could spike global oil prices and strain Beijing’s markets.

With Israel’s strikes threatening Iran’s oil production, China is reportedly worried. A prolonged conflict could choke off Iran’s exports, forcing China to rely on costlier alternatives like Saudi Arabia or Russia, both of which face their own geopolitical constraints. Such a shift would hit China’s economy hard, increasing energy costs and potentially triggering inflation at a time when Beijing is navigating trade tensions with the U.S.

The Red-Green Alliance...What is it?

The “Red-Green Alliance” refers to the strategic partnership between China (the “Red” communist state) and Iran (the “Green” Islamic republic), united by shared opposition to the U.S.-led global order. This axis, often linked to the broader Eurasian coalition including Russia and North Korea, is rooted in economic, military, and ideological ties. China’s support for Iran extends beyond oil purchases to diplomatic cover and alleged military cooperation.Economic Lifeline: China’s purchase of sanctioned Iranian oil bypasses U.S. sanctions, propping up Iran’s economy. The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned Chinese firms, like Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., for buying over $1 billion in Iranian crude, yet Beijing persists, prioritizing energy security.Military Ties: A 2020 draft of the Iran-China agreement reportedly included provisions for joint military exercises, weapons development, and intelligence sharing, though Iran denies foreign military presence due to constitutional restrictions.

Unverified claims of Chinese drones or radar parts in the recent cargo flights align with these concerns.

Geopolitical Strategy: Iran’s location between the Caspian and Arabian Seas makes it a key node in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), connecting Central Asia to global markets. By backing Iran, China counters U.S. influence in the Middle East and diverts attention from its actions in the South China Sea.This alliance is not without friction. China’s support for other Middle Eastern states, like Saudi Arabia, and its rivalry with India, a potential Eurasian partner, complicate its strategy. Nonetheless, the Red-Green Alliance serves as a bulwark against Western dominance, with Iran as a frontline proxy.Israel’s PerspectiveFrom Israel’s vantage point, China’s involvement is a dangerous wildcard. Jerusalem’s strikes aim to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions and weaken its regional proxies, like Hezbollah and Hamas. The prospect of Chinese aid—whether diplomatic or material—emboldens Iran, potentially prolonging the conflict. If the cargo plane reports are true, China could be resupplying Iran’s depleted arsenal, offsetting Israel’s gains.Even without confirmed military aid, China’s diplomatic stance is hostile.

On June 14, 2025, Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned Israel’s actions and supported Iran’s “legitimate rights,” while China’s UN ambassador called for a halt to Israel’s “risky military actions.” This rhetoric shields Iran from international isolation, a tactic Israel sees as enabling Tehran’s aggression.

Will China Get Involved?

China’s economic dependence on Iranian oil and its Red-Green Alliance suggest a strong incentive to support Iran, but direct military involvement remains unlikely. Beijing’s foreign policy prioritizes stability and non-intervention, and entering a Middle East war would risk global backlash and economic disruption. The unverified cargo plane reports, while concerning, lack the evidence to confirm a major escalation.More likely, China will intensify its diplomatic and economic support. By condemning Israel, purchasing Iran’s oil, and leveraging BRI infrastructure like the new Xi’an-Tehran railway, Beijing can sustain Iran without firing a shot. Covert aid, such as dual-use technology or intelligence, is also possible but hard to detect.For Israel, the challenge is clear: neutralizing Iran’s threat while deterring China’s interference. The U.S., Israel’s key ally, is escalating sanctions on Iran’s oil trade, targeting Chinese refineries and shadow fleets. These measures aim to choke Iran’s revenue and pressure Beijing to reconsider its support. However, China’s defiance of sanctions and its growing global clout make this a tough sell.

Conclusion

The landing of a second Chinese transport plane in Iran, though unconfirmed, underscores the deepening ties between Beijing and Tehran. As Iran’s largest oil provider, China faces economic peril if Israel’s campaign disrupts Tehran’s exports. The Red-Green Alliance, built on oil, anti-Western ideology, and strategic necessity, ensures China’s quiet help—diplomatic and possibly material—will continue. Yet, Beijing’s caution suggests it will avoid direct involvement, opting for proxy support to protect its interests.Israel, backed by the U.S., must navigate this complex landscape, countering Iran’s resilience and China’s influence. The conflict is not just a regional showdown but a global power struggle, with the Red-Green Alliance testing the West’s resolve. As tensions mount, the world waits to see if China’s worry over its oil supply will push it beyond rhetoric into action.