HONG KONG — China has been a quiet — if crucial — player in the Iran war, as U.S. military action upends the global economy

US intelligence indicates that China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks, according to three people familiar with recent intelligence assessments.

Despite the economic risks from the war, Beijing will likely stick to a hands-off approach. It is wary of being entangled in a conflict it opposed and has little sway over.

The war in Iran — and President Trump’s shifting tactics in fighting it — are roiling relations with China, just weeks before the president is to make a high-stakes trip there. The complicated dynamics have a straightforward core.

The January-March data released by the government was better than what economists expected and was up from the 4.5% growth seen in the October-December quarter.

China has denied claims this month by U.S. intelligence that it might have shipped arms to Iran. In recent years, China has supported Iran with dual-use parts.

The U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz risks ratcheting up pressure on two of its most consequential relationships in Asia — India and China.

By Kevin Yao and Claire Fu BEIJING/SINGAPORE, April 16 (Reuters) - China's economy picked up speed early in 2026, riding an export surge before the Iran war sent energy costs soaring and put global demand - vital to Beijing's growth ambitions - at risk.

The technology would enhance Iran's ability to detect and track incoming threats, like low-flying drones and cruise missiles.