Beijing – China is maintaining a cautious stance following recent U.S. And Israeli military actions in Iran and Venezuela, prioritizing its relationship with Washington over direct support for its allies in those countries. The developments come as President Donald Trump prepares for a planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a meeting aimed at extending a fragile trade truce between the world’s two largest economies.
The U.S. Has taken decisive action against two nations considered key economic partners of China in recent months. In January, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. Special forces in a raid on Caracas. More recently, on March 5, 2026, U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran resulted in the death of the country’s supreme leader, described as China-friendly. These actions have prompted condemnation from Beijing, but have not yet resulted in significant repercussions for U.S.-China relations.
Despite expressing anger over the capture of Maduro and the killing of the Iranian supreme leader, China’s response has been largely limited to statements. This approach mirrors its reaction after Maduro’s capture, despite warm relations with Venezuela. “China is a fair-weather friend – long on words, short on risk,” said Craig Singleton, senior director for China at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Experts suggest that China views its relationship with the U.S. As far more critical than its ties with either Iran or Venezuela, particularly in areas such as trade, the economy, and the status of Taiwan. The upcoming summit between Trump and Xi, scheduled to commence March 31, is a key factor in China’s calculations. Beijing has not yet confirmed the dates of the trip, but according to Wang Huiyao, founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization, “I haven’t heard any plan to delay or derail that visit.”
The U.S. Operation in Iran, which Trump has indicated may last “four to five weeks” or longer, has not deterred China from maintaining its focus on the planned meeting. Analysts believe China may even benefit from the diversion of U.S. Military resources away from the Indo-Pacific region.
While China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, its strategic importance to China is limited compared to its relationships with several Gulf states. Military cooperation between the two countries has as well remained constrained. According to Nicholas Burns, the U.S. Ambassador to China under President Joe Biden, China is “proving to be a feckless friend for its authoritarian allies.”
The situation underscores the complex geopolitical calculations China is making as it navigates its relationships with both the U.S. And its allies in a rapidly changing world. The development could influence future diplomatic talks and regional stability.
