And while Iran sells 90% of its exported oil to China, only about 13% of China’s imported crude comes from Iran (often at a discounted rate, thanks to western sanctions). More of its oil now comes from Gulf cooperation council members; it has broadened its interests across the Middle East. China may pick up reconstruction work in the Middle East as well as cut-price assets. November’s US national security strategy reiterated that challenging China would be a priority, with Washington’s longstanding focus on the Middle East receding. But it now has expanded economic and diplomatic interests to protect and a growing expatriate population – perhaps a million in the Middle East alone – who expect protection.

Source: The Guardian March 26, 2026 21:51 UTC