By Denis Korkodinov
Tensions between Washington and Tehran arose almost simultaneously with the US sanctions against Beijing. This allowed China and Iran to join forces in the confrontation with the White House administration.
The policy of unprecedented US pressure on Iran led to the development of a number of geopolitical processes. First, US sanctions significantly aggravated the international position of the Ayatollah regime and created the threat of a direct clash. Secondly, by abandoning the nuclear deal, Donald Trump created a cause for concern for those countries that took part in the deal, and above all for China, who began rapprochement with Tehran.
Relations between China and Iran began to form almost immediately after the Islamic Revolution of 1978-1979. Having received the levers of control, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini officially declared himself an antagonist of the United States and a friend of the countries that opposed Washington. Including China.
For almost 40 years, Iranian-Chinese relations have had a positive dynamic. Beijing’s demand for Iranian oil turned out to be the basis of the union formed. Before the introduction of US sanctions, China imported from Tehran from 9 to 11 percent of its own annual oil needs. Now China is ready to boycott the sanctions of Washington and continue to increase the pace of cooperation with the Ayatollah regime.
Only in the period from 2009 to 2019, Beijing invested more than $ 5 billion in the Iranian economy. This money was used to improve the gas cleaning system and the oil infrastructure. In addition, a significant proportion of investments accounted for the development of Iranian transport arteries, including the metro. At present, the Iranian-Chinese Union intends to increase the volume of mutual investment packages to $ 600 billion, which allows Beijing to be Tehran’s second largest trading partner after Abu Dhabi.
It is worth paying special attention to the fact that China occupies a leading position in the supply of arms to Iran. In particular, Beijing is actively supplying the Ayatollah regime with anti-ship missiles “HY-2 Silkworm”, and also assists in the creation of ballistic missiles.
The escalation of the conflict between Washington and Tehran gives China a unique chance to increase its presence in the Iranian market. In addition, the anti-Chinese sanctions imposed by Donald Trump literally favor Beijing becoming a key ally for Iran.
Given the similar alignment of forces, it is expected that China may become an active participant in the US-Iranian confrontation. In particular, Xi Jinping can create a powerful economic alliance through a diplomatic game, as a result of which the United States will be put in a difficult position.
(The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).
Image Credit: China Daily