Iran-China relations stand out as a multi-layered partnership that has been deepening not only economically but also strategically and politically in recent years. Both countries produce similar discourses against the Western-centered international system and pursue complementary policies on issues such as energy security, infrastructure investments and regional stability.
Both countries offer a strong critique of the current order in the global system and international relations. Concepts such as “multilateralism”, “rejection of unilateralism”, and “respect for sovereignty” indicate that both China and Iran criticize the West along a common line.[i] While the emphasis on “multilateralism” symbolizes both countries’ understanding of global cooperation and diplomacy, phrases such as “rejection of unilateralism” and “respect for sovereignty” express their opposition to Western economic sanctions and violations of national sovereignty. However, this commonality of discourse partnership from an overlap of deeper strategic interests rather than a mere ideological similarity. Iran seeks to capitalize on China’s global economic rise and multilateralism, while China seeks to gain access to energy resources in the Middle East and increase its influence in the region.
Iran and China aim to achieve a stronger integration within the framework of the 25-year-old Association Agreement and in line with common interests. Especially given the Iranian nuclear issue and the sanctions imposed by the West, the strategic cooperation between China and Iran becomes even more critical. For China, Iran stands out as a critical country to diversify its energy security. Iran’s rich energy resources play a crucial role in meeting China’s energy needs and ensuring its security.
China’s relations with Iran are not limited to economic benefits, but also consolidate its influence in the region. For Iran, China offers a great opportunity to overcome the Western economic siege. In the face of the economic sanctions and isolationist policies imposed on Iran by the US and other Western countries, China has assumed the role of an alternative market and source of economic support for Iran. China’s expanding domestic market offers Iran different economic opportunities, while China’s developing trade network has the potential to revitalize Iran’s foreign trade. Moreover, China’s political power in the international arena serves as a counterbalance in Iran’s relations with the West.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will soon visit China and then attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in September. In this context, it is stated that 2025 will be the “golden year” in Iran-China relations.[ii] Pezeshkian’s visit to China and his participation in the SCO summit point to deepening diplomatic ties and strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries. In particular, it will be an important step towards Iran’s independence from the West and a closer strategic relationship with China. Pezeshkian’s visit to China, as well as the SCO summit, can be expected to create a new momentum in regional cooperation and security issues.
The description of Iran-China relations as a “golden year” point to a deepening not only in the economic but also in the political and strategic sphere. Given China’s projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and the importance of Iran’s energy security, it is possible that this year will mean more cooperation and partnership for the two countries.
Another critical point is China’s open support for Iran and its stance against the US sanctions. In its relations with Tehran, Beijing respects Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy and rejects the pursuit of a military solution.[iii] This reinforces China’s aim to pursue a more independent and less Western-oriented foreign policy in the international arena.
Another remarkable element is that China’s trade with Iran is largely conducted through the yuan and intermediaries in order to avoid sanctions mechanisms.[iv] This is China’s attempt to establish an alternative system to the hegemonic structure of the dollar and at the same time to weaken the US influence in the global economic and financial system. The US sanctions on Iran and China’s response to them signal a reshaping of the balance of power in the global system. By increasing its diplomatic and economic support to Iran, China continues to seek greater independence in its relations with the West. At this point, it is clear that China wants to have more say both regionally and globally and rejects Western-oriented unilateral decisions.
The fact that bilateral relations have become so strategic does not mean that there is complete harmony between the sides on every issue. China stands out as a more cautious actor that does not engage directly in global crises and prioritizes its long-term interests. Given that Iran is known for its high-risk moves that sometimes shake the balance in West Asia, the sustainability of the harmony of interests is the decisive factor in the future of this relationship. While Iran is attractive to China as an investment and energy partner, stability is a priority in China’s vision of the global order. Therefore, Tehran’s capacity to generate stability at home and in the region will determine the level at which China will maintain its relations with Iran.
As a result, Iran-China relations go beyond economic cooperation and deepen on the basis of strategic and ideological partnership. Shaped by discourses such as multilateralism, respect for sovereignty and opposition to unilateralism, this partnership reflects the two countries’ goal of establishing an alternative balance of power against the Western-centered global order. The year 2025 is considered to be a turning point when the institutionalized relations between the parties become more visible at both regional and global levels. However, the sustainability of the relationship will depend not only on mutual interests but also on Iran’s stabilization capacity and China’s long-term strategic calculations.
[i] “China, Iran exchange in-depth views on latest progress of Iran nuclear issue”, The State Council The People’s Republic of China, https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202504/24/content_WS68098f93c6d0868f4e8f2054.html, (Date Accessed: 24.04.2025).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii]“China backs Iran’s nuclear talks with US, opposes ‘illegal’ sanctions’”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/china-backs-irans-nuclear-talks-with-us-opposes-illegal-sanctions-2025-04-23/, (Date Accessed: 24.04.2025).
[iv] Ibid.
