A report by The Epoch Times suggests that Zhang Guoqing, China’s Vice Premier, may play a key role in China’s defense industry exports to Iran and the broader Middle East. According to sources familiar with China’s political system, Zhang is not a typical technocratic official but has deep ties to the country’s military-industrial sector. He previously held senior positions within China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), a major state-owned defense conglomerate responsible for exporting weapons and related technologies. Because of this background, some observers view him as an important representative of China’s defense industry within the country’s top leadership.
The report states that Zhang has played a role in maintaining China’s military-industrial cooperation with Middle Eastern partners, particularly Iran. Following rising tensions involving Iran, Zhang was reportedly tasked by Xi Jinping with coordinating relevant supply chains and maintaining technical and industrial links with regional partners. According to individuals familiar with the defense sector, Iran has requested Chinese components related to drones, unmanned vessels, and smart naval mines that could potentially be assembled domestically.
The report also suggests that cooperation between China and Iran extends beyond weapons-related components to include communications infrastructure and surveillance technologies. Technology firms from several Chinese provinces have reportedly participated in the development of Iran’s telecommunications networks and monitoring systems. This combination of military technology, infrastructure development, and security systems has strengthened strategic ties between China and Iran while expanding Beijing’s influence in the region.
Source: Epoch Times, March 12, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/26/3/12/n14717195.htm