China’s careful calculus on the volatile US-Iran nuclear standoff

The American threat of a military strike on Iran is looming over the Middle East, as Washington tries to force Tehran to concede to severe limitations on its nuclear capabilities.

During the past weeks, the US has engaged in the largest military build-up in the region in two decades, and the flow of aerial and naval forces continues daily. Iran is conducting military drills as a show of its resolve in the face of the rising pressure.

Watching from the sidelines of this dramatic event stands China, as the showdown between Trump and the Supreme Leader carries significant implications for Beijing’s interests. Reports that China’s most advanced spy ship, the Liaowang-1, has been deployed to the Persian Gulf suggest Beijing is focusing attention on the region.  

The sophisticated radars and signal collection instruments on board the Liaowang-1 will supply China with valuable information on the US's most advanced weapon systems deployed in the area. It could also be used as an early warning and intelligence-gathering vessel to assist Iran in the event of an active conflict. 

This Chinese response should not be seen as a surprise. China is one of the few countries, alongside Russia and till recently, Venezuela, which has stood by Iran's side. For years, China has been Iran’s number one trading partner, as some 80% of Iran’s illegal oil exports are delivered to the Chinese market. China also supplies Iran with military equipment, as well as materials and components to be used by Iran's advanced missile industries.