Enabling Iran: A Timeline of China’s Role During and After Operation Epic Fury
New Resource
Today, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission released a new resource documenting China’s role in supporting Iran since the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026. The timeline tracks Chinese actions, official statements, and other developments that illustrate how Beijing has helped sustain Iran throughout the conflict and its aftermath.
“Over the past several decades, the China-Iran relationship has evolved from one of limited cooperation into a broad strategic partnership spanning economic, diplomatic, and security ties. This new resource provides Congress the means to track this growing partnership,” said Chair Randy Schriver.
“This timeline clearly shows that, as one of Iran's most important partners, China plays a critical but often overlooked role in sustaining Iran's defense industrial base and ability to destabilize the region,” said Vice Chair Mike Kuiken.
This timeline begins February 28, 2026, the start of Operation Epic Fury, and builds on the Commission's 2025 Annual Report chapter "Axis of Autocracy" and its China-Iran Fact Sheet released March 16, 2026.
The timeline, available here, will be updated frequently as events unfold.
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