"Iris" was decommissioned for repairs at Hong Kong on 31 January 1900, and resumed duty in May under the command of Lieutenant Dudley Wright Knox USN through June 1901. During this time, "Iris" returned to duty in the Philippines during the insurrection and also served in the Boxer Rebellion. Crewmembers serving on her between 29 June to 24 July 1900 qualified for award of the China Relief Expedition Medal.