Why China Keeps Buying Oil from Iran Despite Global Sanctions

 China's Oil Relations with Iran During the Iran-Israel Conflict

🗓️ Updated: June 30, 2025

🖊️ Auther - Sanu Diashi

During the Iran-Israel conflict, many people also started focusing on the relationship between China and Iran. One of the major reasons behind this is that China is a major buyer of Iran’s oil. On one hand, Western media says that Iran’s crude oil exports are under strict sanctions.

Is China still buying oil from Iran despite the global restrictions?

Recently, Reuters reported that China imports 13.6% of its total oil from Iran. Some other media reports also stated that 50% of China’s oil passes through the Hormuz Strait, although this includes oil from countries like Iraq and Kuwait as well.

China, however, calls these sanctions illegal and one-sided. According to Chinese customs data, since July 2022, China has not officially recorded any oil imports from Iran. In a 2024 Bloomberg report, it was claimed that Iran was continuing to supply oil to China through unofficial means.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump made a vague statement that China might continue buying oil from Iran after the Iran-Israel ceasefire. When China’s foreign ministry was asked about this on June 25, they gave a diplomatic response.

On June 27, when the question was asked again—whether China has started importing oil from Iran—they repeated their usual line about national interest. During the conflict with Israel, Iran threatened to close the Hormuz Strait.

Chinese state media highlighted that 20% of the world’s oil passes through this strait. But no report mentioned how much of that oil goes to China. However, this rare information gave some hints.

When it comes to trade, China prefers to talk about oil imports from Gulf countries, not Iran. China's state-run newspaper Global Times wrote that Western analysts are exaggerating the risks around the Hormuz Strait.

The clearest reaction in this matter came from a government-linked news and blog platform called Guancha. A well-known scholar Jin Canrong commented that if regime change happens in Iran, it would significantly affect the balance of power in the region.

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China’s Oil Trade with Iran – What’s Really Happening?

Q: Why is everyone talking about China buying oil from Iran?

Well, it’s simple. China wants cheap oil, and Iran is happy to sell. Even though there are sanctions, they seem to be quietly doing business. That’s what’s making headlines — and raising eyebrows.

Q: Could this affect global oil prices?

Possibly. If Iran actually closes the Strait of Hormuz, it could disrupt oil flow. That would shake the market, and prices might go up. Countries relying on that route would definitely feel the heat.

Q: Is China officially buying oil or doing it under the table?

Officially, they don’t say much. Since mid-2022, China hasn’t reported any oil imports from Iran. But reports say the oil still flows — just not on paper. It’s more of a “you know, but don’t ask” situation.

Q: Why does China care so much about Iran’s oil?

Because it’s a good backup plan. With growing global tensions and rising demand, China wants as many oil sources as possible. Iran, despite sanctions, is a useful partner.