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Today, China has effectively become a massive battery to which many countries are connecting themselves, drawing energy and momentum from its strengths across various sectors. Given the substantial capacities and mutual willingness for friendly cooperation between Iran and China, the two countries cannot only push back against Western pressure but also develop bilateral and multilateral cooperation in science and technology, thereby breaking the monopoly long held by Western states. This approach also aligns with one of the core policies of the People’s Republic of China.
How is Iran’s role defined within China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and what advantages does it bring to Iran’s geopolitical position in the region?
Chinese policymakers are fully aware that the initiatives they have proposed would be largely meaningless without Iran. China’s four major initiatives, namely the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the recently introduced Global Governance Initiative, all intersect geopolitically with Iran.
Chinese officials recognize that when discussing global development, it is impossible to overlook a country that possesses vast oil and gas resources, major economic potential, control over the Strait of Hormuz, access to the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea, and a critical geopolitical position.
In the security domain, China acknowledges Iran’s central role in West Asia, its influence in neighboring countries, and its constructive contribution to regional stability. These factors cannot simply be set aside.
In terms of civilization, China recognizes Iran as a global civilization. In Chinese textbooks and among the general public alike, the name “Persia” and Persian civilization are often more familiar than the modern name Iran.
Finally, in the realm of governance, the Islamic Republic has articulated its own critique of the existing global order, a perspective that overlaps significantly with China’s views in several areas.
All of China’s proposed initiatives therefore present Iran not only as a key participant but also as a country that stands to benefit substantially. This, however, requires a precise understanding of these initiatives and the formulation of complementary proposals aligned with Iran’s national interests and development priorities. It is hoped that Iranian policymakers, with a clear grasp of China’s positions and strategic frameworks, will be able to map out long-term plans that align Chinese initiatives with Iran’s national interests.