China is publicly calling for peace after the U.S. and Israel flattened Iran’s military, but Beijing is secretly negotiating to sell Tehran supersonic missiles that could sink American warships.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi slammed the attacks on Iran as a “grave violation” of international law and demanded an “immediate stop” to military operations. China and Russia pushed an emergency UN Security Council meeting to condemn the strikes.
But behind the diplomatic outrage, Beijing is closing a deal to arm Iran with CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, according to six sources who spoke to Reuters. These missiles fly at Mach 3, skim the waves to dodge radar, and can blast targets nearly 300 kilometers away.
Iranian officials traveled to China last summer to fast-track the deal after Israel’s “12-Day War” gutted Tehran’s arsenal. The missiles would give Iran the power to threaten U.S. aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
China denies the deal exists. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called the reports “not true” and insisted China “always abides by its international obligations.” But intelligence reports suggest Beijing has already supplied Iran with air defense systems, drone tech, and chemicals to build ballistic missiles.
The CM-302 is an export version of China’s YJ-12, one of its most advanced naval weapons. Military experts say the transfer would be a “complete game-changer” for Iran’s ability to hit naval forces.
China is playing both sides. It wants to look like a mediator while ensuring Iran survives as a key oil supplier and Belt and Road partner. Beijing and Tehran signed a 25-year strategic pact in 2021, and China has kept Iran’s economy alive despite crushing sanctions.
The U.S. has two carrier strike groups parked nearby. President Trump warned Iran it has days to make a deal or face more strikes. China is betting it can arm Iran just enough to bleed U.S. forces without triggering direct conflict with Washington.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi promised China he would protect Chinese citizens in Iran. Wang Yi pledged Beijing would support Iran’s “sovereignty, security, and national dignity.”
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