As U.S. and Israel strike Iran, China's foreign policy experts question Washington

"Chinese teapots primarily process Iranian and Russian crude because of their steep discounts. Discounts because American sanctions prevent most other countries from buying Iranian oil. Xu estimates enough Iranian oil left the region before the U.S. and Israeli strikes and is now headed to China, and that gives Chinese refineries up to five months of buffer time."

"Days after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes began hitting Iran, Beijing announced it had evacuated about 3,000 of its citizens, ferrying some of them across Iran's land border into Azerbaijan. The evacuation operation reflected the close ties between China and Iran, especially around oil."

"Some Chinese refiners have already announced or are considering cuts to operating rates amid the growing concerns over the potential supply disruptions. These concerns have prompted China to send a special envoy to the Middle East."

China is managing complex geopolitical tensions following U.S. and Israeli joint strikes on Iran. Beijing evacuated approximately 3,000 citizens from Iran into Azerbaijan, reflecting deep economic ties centered on oil trade. Chinese refineries, known as teapot refineries, previously purchased up to 90% of Iran's oil at steep discounts due to American sanctions. Before the conflict escalated, sufficient Iranian oil reached China to provide five months of supply buffer. However, Middle Eastern instability threatens supply chains, prompting some Chinese refiners to reduce operating rates. China responded diplomatically by deploying a special envoy to the Middle East and having its foreign minister criticize the attacks, while simultaneously preparing for a planned U.S. presidential visit to Beijing.

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