China-Iran Relations: Prospects and Complexities. (1st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Belal, Kulsoom
• Is Part Of: Policy perspectives. Volume 17:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Subjects: Belt and Road Initiative -- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership -- China-Iran Relations -- Middle East Security -- Saudi-Iran Rivalry; Policy sciences -- Asia -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Periodicals; 320.60954
• DOI: 10.13169/polipers.17.2.0047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1812-1829

Abstract

Abstract : China-Iran relations have steadily evolved and expanded in the domains of geopolitics, economics and diplomacy since the Iranian revolution. Presently, being increasingly isolated from the world under Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign, Iran has been further drawn towards China, which, in the long term, can significantly alter the existing regional security architecture of the Persian Gulf. The recent agreements and partnership between the two countries, which is reflected in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as the draft 25-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) will pave the way for a long term strategic cooperation between the two countries. In this context, the paper analyzes various factors that have systemically fostered friendly ties between the two countries. The paper also explores historical and contemporary trends that can impact the future of bilateral relations. Further, it evaluates the economic relations between the two countries outlining the trade in the oil sector as well as other sectors. Lastly, the paper examines the plausible challenges to the future of bilateral relations. For this, the paper relies on three variables: the internal dynamics and perception in Iran about its relations with China; the major power-middle power dynamics that can prove to be a barrier in the relations; and the outlook and responses of the regional countries that may scuttle the process of strategizing bilateral relationship.