Iranian President Raisi pays a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Both countries are strengthening ties, says China Inroads sinologist Valérie Hoeks.
According to Hoeks, the economic cooperation dates back 10 years. Following the Iran deal, Western sanctions, and subsequent isolation of Tehran, China invested heavily in Iran and flooded the country with Chinese goods.
Belt and road
Strengthening ties also fit the pattern of growing Chinese influence in the region. Central Asia is important to China for several reasons: it is not only an area of strategic military-political importance, the New Silk Road, Belt and Road Initiative, which connects China to Europe, passes through the region.
‘China has invested heavily in Central Asia. It recently made the latest deal with Turkmenistan, now all countries have deals with China. China benefits greatly from a stable region. Iran is a cat in a corner and China benefits if Iran keeps quiet through economic cooperation. The escalation could have consequences for China.”
According to Hoeks, there are many discussions inside Iran. “Iranian leaders are selling it as a good deal, but there is debate.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
