US and Israel Strike Tehran: Will China Intervene to Defend Iran?

Following the recent US-Israel military strikes on Tehran, attention has shifted to whether China, a strategic partner of Iran, would intervene militarily to support the Islamic Republic. In an interview filmed just before the attacks, Professor Victor Gao provided insights into China's philosophical stance on warfare and military intervention abroad.

Speaking to Reports on China (@ReportsOnChina), Gao highlighted that China has historically avoided war as a preferred way to resolve international disputes. "War should always be treated as a last resort," he stated, noting that Beijing prioritises peaceful resolution of conflicts. He pointed to China's management of border clashes with India and maritime disputes with the Philippines as examples where Beijing had superior military capability but chose restraint.

Gao argued that China's reluctance to employ military force should not be read as weakness. Instead, he suggested that China's growing military strength—particularly in shipbuilding and radar technology—actually affords Beijing "more luxury of demanding peace." He claimed that US decision-makers have concluded they do not want a conventional war with China, citing Chinese military modernisation and advanced capabilities, including sixth-generation fighter aircraft.

Regarding whether China would defend Iran militarily, Gao did not directly address potential intervention in the current crisis. However, his broader remarks implied Beijing would likely pursue diplomatic solutions rather than military action. He emphasised that "peace with China is inevitable" and that dialogue serves mutual interests.

The interview, conducted on 26 February just before the Tehran strikes, reflects China's longstanding non-intervention doctrine and preference for strategic ambiguity in international conflicts. As tensions escalate, Beijing has called for restraint while monitoring developments affecting its regional interests and energy security.

Source: Israel and the US have attacked Tehran: Will China come to help Iran? (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdL0V4L9VgM)