China has denied providing military support to Iran amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, even as U.S. officials allege Beijing continues to supply Tehran with equipment related to its missile programs. The dispute comes as the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which it says has halted all maritime trade from the country.

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that China had agreed not to sell weapons to Iran, asserting that Beijing was supportive of efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for global shipping. In recent statements, Trump emphasized that by maintaining navigation through the strategic waterway, he was acting in China’s and the world’s interest. He also expressed optimism about his impending meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing next month, suggesting a diplomatic thaw despite ongoing conflict.

China’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S.-led blockade, describing it as “dangerous and irresponsible,” following an incident where a Chinese tanker reportedly was prevented from exiting the Strait of Hormuz. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun reiterated Beijing’s expectation that other countries respect its trade and energy agreement with Iran, underscoring that the strait remains open to Chinese vessels.

Before the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, China was the largest purchaser of Iranian oil, accounting for approximately 90% of Tehran’s exports, which equated to more than 1.3 million barrels per day. Although China holds the largest reserves of crude oil globally and is less vulnerable to Middle Eastern supply disruptions in the immediate term, rising domestic fuel prices and the impact of the conflict on export growth have become pressing concerns.

Washington accuses China of longstanding support for Iran’s ballistic missile program, including the provision of dual-use industrial components that may facilitate missile production. Reports also surfaced that China was preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran, despite Beijing’s official position that it had urged Tehran to accept a ceasefire. Additionally, some Western sources claim Iran has employed Chinese satellite technology to monitor American military installations across the region, a charge Beijing has not publicly addressed.

China has asserted that its export of military products is conducted prudently and responsibly, denying any direct military aid to Iran in the context of the current conflict. Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping has voiced firm criticism of U.S. and Israeli actions in Iran, describing the global situation as “changing and turbulent” and calling for an international order grounded in justice rather than lawlessness. During a recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Xi emphasized the importance of Sino-Russian relations and sought cooperation in promoting a more equitable international system.

The contrasting narratives from Washington and Beijing highlight the complexity of international alignments as tensions mount in the Middle East, with economic and security interests intertwined amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.