China-Iran Relations: Transactional or Strategic?

China-Iran Relations: Transactional or Strategic?

From China Global by The German Marshall Fund

March 3, 2026 · 34 min · Episode 120

About this episode

This episode explores the dynamics of China-Iran relations amidst U.S. military considerations regarding Iran's nuclear program.

The United States is once again considering military strikes to curb Iran’s nuclear activities and missile program. China has emerged as a particularly important partner of Iran, serving as the country’s largest trade partner and one of its few sources of consistent diplomatic backing. For Beijing, the stakes in the relationship extend beyond energy security, but also include great power competition with the US and China’s broader strategic ambitions in the Middle East. There are reports that Iran is close to finalizing a deal to purchase supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles from China. To unpack China-Iran relations and these recent dynamics, we are joined today by Jonathan Fulton. Jonathan is a nonresident senior fellow with the Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council and an associate professor of political science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. His research focuses on China-GCC relations, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and Chinese foreign policy. This episode was recorded on February 26, 2026.

People in this episode

Guest: Jonathan Fulton

Topics covered

  • China-Iran relations
  • military strikes
  • nuclear activities
  • trade partnerships
  • great power competition
  • Middle East strategy

Keywords

  • China
  • Iran
  • nuclear program
  • trade partner
  • military strikes
  • great power competition
  • Middle East
  • Belt and Road Initiative

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The German Marshall Fund

Places: Iran, China, United States, Middle East

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