Sino-Iranian Strategic Partnership: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

China and Iran have developed mutual inter-dependence and bilateral cooperation in several fields. Though China and Iran are closer to sign 25 year strategic partnership, yet the final draft of the deal is being negotiated between the two parties. The expectations are high on Iranian side, however one or anotherway there are multiple factors associated with such developments. For instance; Chinese image in contemporary international system, US factor, international sanctions against Iran, Iranian perception and role in the region, and Chinese ambitious Belt and Road initiative is supposed to determine the depth and sustainability of this strategic partnership. This paper argues that the apprehensions attached to the deal are reflecting western perception whereas China’s interest are more economic/commercial and business oriented, thus limiting their cooperation in other fields. This paper addresses the prospects of these negotiations considering the impact of afore mentioned factors on the background of their relations, thus articulates challenges faced by both the parties for expected enhanced strategic partnership. The paper concludes that Sino-Iranian cooperation is not only confined to economic field rather expands to socio-cultural and technological fields as well, but this must also be viewed as part of China’s over all Middle East policy considering her economic might and investment posture through Belt and Road initiative.

Keywords

• China, Energy, Iran, Middle East, Strategic Partnership.