Iran: China’s Secure Trade Route Amid U.S. Confrontation

WANA (Aug 17) – With Iran’s strategic position in China’s New Silk Road initiative, experts emphasize the necessity of reviving the two countries’ historic cooperation, which could strengthen political and economic ties and establish a secure network for international trade. The U.S. presence in the Zangezur Corridor has further intensified the importance of this issue.

Iran and China, two nations with a rich history and millennia-long relations, now stand on the verge of renewing their cooperation under the framework of the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI). Launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure connections among various countries, particularly across Asia and Europe.

Thanks to its unique geographical position, Iran can play a pivotal role in this plan by serving as a bridge linking China to European and West Asian markets. In recent years, China has become Iran’s largest trading partner, continuing to purchase oil even under U.S. sanctions. Experts believe these relations must be built on a sustainable, long-term basis so that both nations can reap shared economic benefits.

Bardia Bagheri, an international relations expert, highlighted the importance of stable and balanced ties between Iran and China, stressing that such cooperation should rest on mutual determination and stability. He suggested that political, economic, and security relations between the two countries be defined within a comprehensive strategic framework to ensure that officials—particularly Iran’s ambassador to China—are fully aware of their responsibilities.

Hassan Karimnia, a transportation and transit expert, also underlined the use of Iran’s geography for developing the East–West Corridor. He said this corridor could help reduce political and economic risks while providing greater security for traders. Bagheri added that the East–West Corridor, by crossing Iran and passing through countries with fewer conflicts, could create a safer space for commerce.

Zangezur Corridor. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Experts argue that currently, two routes of the East–West Corridor (China–Europe) face serious challenges: the Russian route, which is entangled in the Ukraine war, and the middle route, which passes through the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus and has come under U.S. influence via the Zangezur Corridor. By contrast, the southern route crossing Iran provides a stable, tension-free passage for China–Europe cargo shipments.

Another key aspect of Iran–China cooperation is the activation of the China–Central Asia–West Asia (CAWA) economic route. This rail network connects Xinjiang in western China to the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea, potentially serving as a new energy transit corridor. Xinjiang is particularly important to China due to its underdeveloped status and the possibility of unrest.

In light of recent developments—including Trump’s entry into the Caucasus near Iran and Russia, as well as the 12-day war between Iran and the Israeli regime—reviving Iran–China historical cooperation has become a necessity.

Experts believe such collaboration can strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations while creating a secure and sustainable network for international commerce. These projects would not only benefit Iran and China but also serve regional countries and global markets, paving the way for sustainable development.

Ultimately, it appears that Iran–China cooperation, in pursuit of shared economic and trade objectives, is evolving into a strategic partnership. This could yield positive impacts on regional security and stability and strengthen Iran’s position in the emerging global order.