China-Iran Relations: A Limited but Enduring Strategic Partnership

The report examines China’s deepening ties with Iran and the geopolitical constraints on the relationship. It analyzes increased Sino-Iranian economic coordination—China as Iran’s top import and export market and a critical investor in energy and transportation infrastructure—and how that coordination undermines the effectiveness of U.S. policies, like sanctions. The report also assesses China’s proliferation of technology supporting Iran’s ballistic missile program and the threat the two countries’ intelligence sharing and military partnerships pose to U.S. security.