WANA (Dec 28) – Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s visit to China as Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister coincides with a relative de-escalation of tensions in West Asia, offering an opportunity to expand ties with the eastern part of the continent. This trip, initiated at the beginning of the calendar year and at the invitation of Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, holds crucial messages about bilateral relations, regional developments, and the prospects for international cooperation.

 

1. Reviving the 25-Year Iran-China Strategic Agreement: A Critical Opportunity

The comprehensive 25-year agreement between Iran and China stands as one of the most significant milestones in their bilateral relations over the past two decades. Signed in 2016 during Xi Jinping’s visit to Tehran, the agreement elevated their ties to the level of a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” However, effectively implementing its economic provisions requires more effort.

 

The trade volume between the two nations, which reached approximately $2.8 billion in the first two months of 2024, still falls short of their full economic potential.

 

Iran and China Stress 25-Year Strategic Plan

WANA (Dec 18) – The Strategic Deputy to the Iranian President and the Chinese Ambassador to Tehran have stressed the importance of aligning operational agreements with the framework of the two countries’ 25-year strategic plan.   During a meeting on Wednesday, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s Strategic Deputy to the President, and Zong Peiwu, the Chinese […]

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With a projected 4.5% economic growth for China in 2025, the country presents an important avenue for economic collaboration. Iran, leveraging this potential, aims to revitalize its role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while addressing concerns about rival corridor projects seeking to marginalize Iran in regional dynamics.

 

As noted by Iran’s Supreme Leader, the agreement is both “wise and strategic,” capable of amplifying Iran’s role in major global economic projects.

 

2. China’s Role in the Region: Strategic Mediation

China has recently adopted a more proactive role in Middle East diplomacy. From mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia to addressing the Gaza crisis, Beijing has demonstrated its commitment to the region as a core component of its “peripheral diplomacy.”

 

Iran and China Will Stand on the Right Side of History

WANA (Dec 26) – Iran’s Foreign Minister stated in an article that Iran and China, united against unilateralism and bullying, will always align with development, prosperity, cooperation, and friendship among Global South countries. He emphasized that Iran and China are “friends for difficult times.”   Strategic Cooperation Between Iran and China In an article published […]

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China’s special representative for West Asia has emphasized in frequent visits that a peaceful and stable Middle East is “vital for global development.”

 

This shift signals to Iran that strengthening strategic ties with China can bolster its influence in this volatile region while benefiting China economically and ensuring its energy security. Additionally, China’s balancing act against U.S. influence in the Middle East enhances the Tehran-Beijing axis.

 

3. Iran’s Position in Beijing-Washington Rivalry

Political shifts in Washington, including the potential return of Donald Trump, suggest that China may again face a more hostile U.S. administration. In such circumstances, Iran’s role as China’s strategic partner becomes increasingly vital in Beijing’s counterstrategy against Washington.

Given its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy, Beijing is keen on deepening ties with Iran. Reports highlight that China remains Iran’s largest oil purchaser and may expand this collaboration as a response to U.S. sanctions policies.

 

Yun Sun, an international economist at the Brookings Institution, argues in her report on China’s Middle East strategy that Beijing will not allow Tehran to fail, as its survival reinforces the regional power balance in China’s favor.

 

4. Nuclear Negotiations and China’s Role

Upon arriving in China, Araghchi stated, “The main goal of this visit is bilateral consultations to address regional and international challenges.” He noted that the evolving status of Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to lift sanctions necessitate closer cooperation with Beijing.

China’s unwavering support for the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) provides Iran with a crucial diplomatic lever. Facing the risk of re-imposed UN sanctions, Iran requires backing from powerful players like China and Russia. Throughout the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal, China has consistently supported the JCPOA, and Araghchi’s visit aims to further align strategies on this issue.

 

5. Beijing-Washington Rivalry: West Asia as a New Theater of Competition

China is reshaping the Middle East’s security order, countering initiatives like the “Arab NATO” concept. Beijing’s backing of Iran not only curbs U.S. influence but also enables Tehran to play a greater role in regional politics.

 

According to People’s Daily, a prominent Chinese publication, “Iran and China have consistently been friends in times of hardship.”

This visit could mark the beginning of a new chapter in their strategic partnership. While Tehran seeks to make Beijing a reliable ally in multilateral dynamics, China views Iran as pivotal to countering U.S. influence and strengthening its presence in West Asia.

 

If accompanied by tangible measures, the trip has the potential to redefine Tehran-Beijing relations, extending its impact beyond bilateral boundaries. As Araghchi put it, “Actions speak louder than words,” and this visit could embody that principle by laying the groundwork for meaningful, practical outcomes.