Mystery of vanishing Chinese military planes: String of long-range, high-capacity cargo aircraft disappears in Iran
A string of Chinese cargo flights—operated by
Boeing
747s often associated with military logistics—have reportedly vanished from radar near
Iranian airspace
, fueling speculation that Beijing may be covertly aiding Tehran amid escalating tensions with Israel.
According to The Telegraph, at least three of the aircraft departed Chinese cities on June 15, 16, and 17—just after Israel launched strikes on
Iran
. Public flight data showed the freighters flying west over northern
China
, entering Kazakhstan, then moving south through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan before disappearing near Iran. Although their flight plans listed Luxembourg as the destination, none of the aircraft were tracked entering European airspace.
The nature of these flights—long-range, high-capacity cargo jets with military applications—has raised alarms. Intelligence sources suggest they may have delivered strategic equipment or retrieved sensitive materials or personnel.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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This development comes amid deepening military and economic ties between China and Iran. Over 90% of Iran's sanctioned oil exports now go to China, often routed via a clandestine 'dark fleet' of tankers with disabled transponders. These discounted crude shipments—some priced $2–$11 lower per barrel—mainly fuel independent Chinese refiners in Shandong. Payments are made in yuan, limiting Iran's ability to spend outside China and prompting one Iranian official to label the setup 'a colonial trap.'
Any Israeli strike on Kharg Island—Iran's primary oil export hub—could severely disrupt this supply chain and send shockwaves through China's energy market.
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Though China publicly urges de-escalation, analysts say its long-term ambitions may include undermining Western influence in the Middle East and asserting itself as a power broker. Quietly backing Iran could serve to test Western red lines, reinforce BRICS alliances, or strengthen leverage in any future ceasefire talks.
In the past, China has supplied Iran with missile components and surveillance tech. In May, a massive explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas port was linked to stored Chinese solid propellant.
China has publicly expressed concern. On June 18, President Xi Jinping called for all sides—'especially Israel'—to halt hostilities. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that the region could slide into an 'abyss' if the Israel-Iran conflict escalates.
Behind the scenes, a deeper strategic calculus may be playing out, according to reports. The two nations signed a 25-year cooperation deal in 2021, signaling a long-term commitment.
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