China’s Iran Problem: Energy, Allies and the Risks of Regime Change | Taiwan Talks EP790

US–Israel strikes on Iran have placed China in a difficult strategic position. Tehran is one of Beijing’s most important oil suppliers and a key geopolitical partner, alongside Venezuela, in China’s global network of allies. With both countries facing instability, questions are emerging about China’s energy security, the reliability of its partnerships and the credibility of its military exports. Beijing has condemned the attacks but so far limited its response to diplomatic statements. What does this crisis reveal about China’s global influence—and its vulnerabilities? In this episode, we examine China’s stake in Iran, the risks to its energy supply and economic stability, and whether setbacks for Beijing’s partners could reshape China’s strategy at home and abroad.

*Recorded on March 5, 2026 at 2pm Taiwan Standard Time

Host: Wen-Ti Sung
Producer: Chinyeh Chiang

Our guests:

Yuan I
- National Chengchi University Institute of International Relations Adjunct Research Fellow
Tsai Jung-hsiang
- National Chung Cheng University Political Science Professor

Chapters:
00:00:00 – China-Iran Partnership Rocked by War
00:01:17 – Conflict Threatens Beijing’s Oil Supplies
00:08:10 – Is China Losing Credibility?
00:15:02 – Iran, China Facing Domestic Pressure




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