-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) has released a detailed report outlining China's military support to Iran. According to the 'China-Iran Fact Sheet' released on Monday, Beijing has supplied Tehran with offensive drones, critical chemicals for rocket propulsion, and high-level access to satellite navigation systems. This development comes as the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran enters its 19th day, with regional tensions reaching unprecedented levels. The commission's findings suggest a deepening strategic partnership that directly impacts the security dynamics of West Asia.
Supply of Offensive Drones and Missile Deals
The commission's report states that China has been actively engaged in selling weaponry to Iran, particularly in the days leading up to the military strikes conducted by the US and Israel in February 2026. According to the findings, China provided Iran with a fleet of offensive drones designed for combat operations. On top of that, negotiations for a major deal involving anti-ship cruise missiles were reportedly near completion. While the final agreement on the specific delivery dates for these missiles had not been reached, the report indicates that the technical and commercial frameworks of the deal were largely finalized between the two nations.
Export of Chemicals for Solid Rocket Fuel
One of the most critical aspects of the report involves the transfer of specialized chemicals used in missile production. The US commission revealed that China authorized the sale of sodium perchlorate to Iran, a key chemical component used as an oxidizer in solid rocket fuel. This substance is essential for the propulsion systems of long-range missiles. The report details that in January 2025, China shipped approximately 1000 tons of sodium perchlorate to Iran. More recently, around 2 March 2026, two Iranian government vessels were observed departing from China's Gaolan port, allegedly carrying additional consignments of this chemical to bolster Iran's missile program.
Military Access to Satellite Navigation Systems
The USCC report further claims that as early as 2021, China granted Iran full military-grade access to its indigenous BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. This access allows Iranian forces to enhance the precision and guidance of their drone and missile strikes. The commission notes that it's highly probable that Iran is currently utilizing this system for its ongoing military operations across West Asia. By integrating with the BeiDou system, Iran reduces its reliance on Western-controlled GPS, thereby increasing the resilience and accuracy of its offensive capabilities against regional targets.
Logistics and Maritime Transport Details
The report provides specific details regarding the logistical routes used for these transfers, highlighting the role of Chinese maritime infrastructure. China's Gaolan port has been identified as a primary exit point for shipments of military and dual-use materials destined for Iran. The movement of Iranian state-owned vessels between Chinese ports and the Persian Gulf indicates a well-coordinated supply chain designed to bypass international scrutiny. The commission emphasizes that these maritime activities are a core component of the strategic cooperation between Beijing and Tehran, facilitating the steady flow of sensitive technology.
Strategic Military Cooperation Framework
Beyond the transfer of hardware and chemicals, the report sheds light on the broader strategic framework governing China-Iran relations. The commission asserts that the cooperation extends to intelligence sharing and the transfer of advanced military technology, while this support not only strengthens Iran's domestic defense industry but also emboldens its regional posture. According to the report, China's continued provision of these resources poses a significant challenge to international efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict and threatens the stability of global energy corridors in the Middle East.