China-Iran Relations Bolster East-West Asian Ties with Chongqing and Tehran as Key Hubs | Insights

Chongqing - Iran and China, being fiercely independent nations, naturally make for trustworthy allies, observed Seyed Mohammad Marandi, Iranian scholar and professor at the Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, during an interview with Bridging News at the China (Chongqing) - Iran Forum For Global Economic And Trade Cooperation on October 17. 

China and Iran's alliance holds multifaceted strategic benefits

When discussing the dynamic shifts in today's global politics, Marandi emphasized the burgeoning synergy between China and Iran.

He believes the alliance between the two countries holds multifaceted strategic benefits. A prime example is China's increasing demand for energy, which aligns seamlessly with Iran's position as a top-tier global oil and gas producer.

China sourced much of the additional crude oil it imported in the first half of 2023 from Russia, Iran, Brazil, and the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

"By ensuring a consistent energy supply from Iran, China can diversify its sources, reducing its dependency on conventional providers and curbing potential upheavals in the global energy sector," Marandi elaborated.

Seyed Mohammad Marandi, Iranian scholar and professor at the Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, delivered a speech on China-Iran cooperation in Chongqing at the China (Chongqing) - Iran Forum For Global Economic and Trade Cooperation on October 17. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Furthermore, he underscored the vital role of China-Iran ties in bolstering Iran's economy. "Engagement with China in trade and investment could be the stimulus that Iran's economy desperately needs, particularly in domains like infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and technology."

Marandi also noted that cities like Chongqing and Tehran could be pivotal hubs in rejuvenating East-West ties, fostering greater unity across Asia. 

Enhanced China-Iran ties could revitalize Asia trade routes

Marandi believes improving China-Iran relations could fortify crucial trade pathways in Asia, bridging the gap between East and West Asia.

He emphasizes the distinct geographical dynamics of their relationship. In Marandi's view, Iran and China aren't limited to maritime trade but can also trade via Central Asia.

Referencing the historic Silk Road, a trade route where China and Iran were integral players, he noted, "The Belt and Road Initiative, I believe, is an important step in the right direction."

Beyond bilateral ties,  China and Iran's partnership reverberates on a global scale. It prompts other nations to re-evaluate their alliances and realign their priorities, especially within frameworks like the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

In the backdrop of this grand strategy, both Chinese and Iranian exports stand to gain, paving the way for a more promising investment climate.