IRANIAN-CHINESE RELATIONS: A NEW STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Iran and China have been economic and military allies for decades. China is Iran’s largest trading partner. China has now created enough space to develop relations with Iran in a way that can balance the American presence in the Middle East. In addition, Iranian-Chinese relations will be ‘sustainable and strategic’ regardless of regional and international conditions. Therefore, by strengthening Beijing’s relations with Iran, it is possible that in the future, mutual relations will peak, which will have geostrategic effects, and joint projects, investments and other forms of cooperation will deepen after the lifting of sanctions against Iran. At the same time, China is interested in developing cooperation with Iran, and the Chinese are very interested in the country’s energy market. As a proof of my word, the visit of President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ibrahim Raisi to Beijing on February 14-16, 2023 is the first official visit in the last 20 years at the invitation of the Chinese leader. This visit shows a favorable political environment in the mutual relations of the two countries, which emphasizes the high political will of the heads of state to expand bilateral relations.