EXPLAINER
How China’s ‘teapot’ refineries are cushioning it from Iran war oil crisis
Small independent refineries are helping China continue importing oil from Iran.
![This frame grab, taken from video from Belarusian state-owned news outlet Pul Pervogo, shows Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko watching as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un holds a rifle gifted to him by Lukashenko in Pyongyang. [Pul Pervogo/AFP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-1774548190.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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From: Quotable
China ‘is playing the long game’ in Iran war by staying neutral
Han Shen Lin, director of the China Office at the Asia Consultative Group, says that China is likely to remain neutral,
Published On 23 Mar 2026
EXPLAINER
Will Russian oil be the biggest winner in the US-Israel war on Iran?
The price of Russian Urals has soared in recent weeks. How Russia – and other energy producing nations – could profit.
Three charged in the US with smuggling AI chips into China
US charges men reportedly tied to Super Micro Computer for helping to smuggle billions of dollars’ worth of AI chips.
China’s silence on Iran reveals its true priorities
Beijing’s muted response shows that when core interests are at stake, even close partners are expendable.
US intelligence agencies not expecting China to invade Taiwan in 2027
US spy agencies says Chinese leadership still prefers to pursue unification with Taiwan ‘without use of force’.
From: Counting the Cost
Could the Iran war trigger a global recession?
Energy prices are surging as the Iran war disrupts supply, raising risks for the US, China and Europe.
Published On 18 Mar 2026
From: Quotable
‘US distraction in the Middle East is in China’s interest’
‘US distraction in the Middle East is in China’s interest’
Published On 18 Mar 2026
Trump confirms meeting with China’s Xi Jinping delayed as war on Iran rages
US President Donald Trump delays his trip to Beijing while also seeking China’s help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Xi Jinping’s anticorruption drive sweeps up senior Chinese military chiefs
Experts say rooting out corruption in the military remains a priority for China’s President Xi.
Australia beat China to reach Women’s Asian Cup final as Kerr nets winner
Sam Kerr nets the winner as Australia beat China 2-1 to reach the final of the 2026 Women’s AFC Asian Cup.
