Commission Reports China Provides Rocket Fuel and Drones to Iran

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission reported to Congress on March 16 that China is deepening military and economic ties with Iran. The commission detailed how Beijing provides offensive drones, rocket fuel chemicals, and satellite navigation support via the BeiDou system to support Iranian missile and drone programs.

Following U.S. strikes on Iran that began on February 28, China permitted two state-owned Iranian vessels to load sodium perchlorate, a critical component for solid rocket fuel. The commission also noted a nearly finalized deal for anti-ship cruise missiles.

Economically, China purchased approximately 90% of Iranian oil exports last year, totaling $31.2 billion. In exchange for this low-cost oil and financial support, Iran acts as a partner in China's efforts to undermine the U.S.-led global order. The report concludes that China enables Iran to mitigate global sanctions through dual-use trade and complex financial networks.