China’s Iran gambit distracts from its terror agenda

Since long before 7th October, Iran has been the primary state sponsor to terror groups acting against Israel and the west in general. The October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel were possibly a part of a larger Iranian plan to encourage a regional attack on Israel which largely failed. The Iran sponsored “Axis of Resistance” has conducted terror attacks and activities from Lebanon to Yemen in support of Hamas. China has largely supported these entities, politically if not financially. After the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, China had united all Palestinian groups in Beijing to issue a “Beijing declaration” which neither condemned the terror attack, nor demanded the return of hostages but only promoted the Hamas terror narrative.  Now there is evidence that there China is indeed providing logistical support to Iran, which if revealed to be the tip of the iceberg, could be a much larger threat to Israel and its allies.

The US Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is offering up to $15 million for information that helps disrupt the financial networks of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its branches, including the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), both designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The IRGC funds terrorism worldwide — including support to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah — in part through sales of military equipment such as drones.

Four Chinese nationals — Liu Baoxia, Li Yongxin, Yung Yiu Wa, and Zhong Yanlai — have been charged by the US Department of Justice for allegedly helping the IRGC by illegally exporting US dual-use technology (with military applications) to Iran via front companies in China. These exports aided the development of UAVs and missile systems used by IRGC-linked entities like Shiraz Electronics Industries and Rayan Roshd Afzar. The technology was also allegedly used by Iran’s Ministry of Defense (MODAFL) to produce weapons sold to countries such as Russia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Russia, China, and Iran are set to hold expert-level consultations on Iran’s nuclear program in Moscow on Tuesday, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, as reported by state news agency RIA.

Amid rising tensions, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning that Iran could face military action if it fails to reach a deal with Washington regarding its nuclear activities. In response, the Kremlin has stated that Russia is prepared to do everything within its power to help ease tensions between the United States and Iran.

On March 14, 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the deputy foreign ministers of Russia and Iran during a trilateral meeting in Beijing, where he presented five key principles for addressing the Iranian nuclear issue.

Wang emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, rejecting the use of force and illegal sanctions, and urging all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions. He stressed the need for a balanced approach that supports both nuclear nonproliferation and Iran’s right to peacefully use nuclear energy under the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while calling on Iran to continue honoring its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons.

Wang reaffirmed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as the central framework for building new consensus, expressing hope that all parties would resume dialogue and urging the United States to return to negotiations with sincerity. He also opposed any premature involvement of the United Nations Security Council, warning that activating the snapback mechanism could undermine years of diplomatic efforts and should be approached with caution.

Finally, he advocated for a step-by-step, reciprocal process grounded in mutual respect and consultation, emphasizing that lasting solutions come not through coercion but through consensus that addresses the legitimate concerns of all sides. China reaffirmed its commitment to continued coordination with all relevant parties and pledged to play a constructive role in facilitating the early resumption of talks.

On the eve of US-Iran direct talks in Oman and after Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s visit to the US, it seems that China is still continuing to distract from a potential deal which guarantees Israel’s security in the region.