China is expanding a 10,000-kilometer (about 6,200-mile) railway link to Iran to diversify oil supply routes and reduce reliance on vulnerable sea lanes like the Strait of Hormuz.

But experts say trains cannot match the capacity of oil tankers, limiting its impact.

Instead, the project underlines China's long-term approach to strengthening its energy security and developing resilience against global crises through diversification, infrastructure investment and reduced dependence on Middle Eastern oil.