China expands defence cooperation with Iran through satellite intelligence and naval deployment in Gulf

Analysts describe the arrangement as a division of roles in which Chinese space-based assets support Iran’s regional strike capabilities. They characterise the cooperation more vividly as “eyes and fist”.

China’s satellite fleet, comprising more than 500 operational military and civilian – but dual-use – satellites, forms the backbone of this intelligence-sharing structure. Data obtained from these platforms is transmitted to Iranian command structures, enabling the regime in Tehran to monitor the deployment of United States armed forces in the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.

China previously provided Iran’s armed forces with access to its BeiDou satellite navigation system after Tehran abandoned the American GPS system. GPS had proved problematic, as the United States reportedly jammed it with ease during last year’s Iranian-Israeli conflict, effectively weakening Iran’s air defence capabilities.

In addition, the navy of the People’s Liberation Army has sent what are described as the world’s most powerful Type 055 destroyers to the Persian Gulf, along with its most advanced spy ship, Liaowang-1. The vessel is equipped to monitor military satellites and track missile launches, while also serving as a mobile command and control centre for naval operations.

Reports of its deployment in waters where the United States has assembled a significant fleet of warships have fuelled speculation that Liaowang-1 has been dispatched to monitor the movements of the US Navy and other Western vessels and to pass intelligence to Iran. The presence of the ship in the region has therefore drawn particular attention.

For Beijing, the support is described as a calculated strategic decision. Iran is regarded as a crucial component of the Belt and Road Initiative and, alongside Russia, one of Beijing’s main energy suppliers, meaning China cannot allow the Iranian regime to collapse or the country to fall under Western control.