IN FOCUS
By Dincy Adlakha

China and Iran: Four major drivers

On 10 February, the Global Times published an extensive interview of Iranian Ambassador to China. In the interview, the ambassador made strong statements in support of China; he promised full support to China with a continuous supply of oil, in case a war breaks out with the US. He said: “If a war breaks out, the US would try to cut off or impede our oil supplies to China. We will not be affected by any such sanctions as we have other markets as well.” He also praised China for hosting the Winter Olympics in Beijing lavishly despite the numerous hurdles throughout the year. 

Both countries have signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement in 2021 to the protect their interests. Through the expansion of BRI, China has been able to tap the very isolated Iranian market. In this context, the interview by Ambassador Keshavarzdeh was motivated by deeper intentions and international politics rather than mere diplomatic rhetoric.

The following four points act as the drivers of bilateral relations between the two countries.
First, the opposition to western values.
China and Iran have strengthened their alliance in recent years due to their shared opposition to Western values and economic interests. Both countries have resisted attempts by the West to ‘undermine their sovereignty and political independence' as the West opposes the political system of both. China and Iran have also teamed up to resist American influence in the Middle East and oppose American efforts to promote democracy in countries such as Saudi Arabia. Iran and China have both supported Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria, in part due to shared fears of U.S. intervention. They have also opposed the U.S. sanctions against Iran, due to their belief that the measures target the Iranian people, not the government.

Second, similar political systems and authoritarian links.
Both China and Iran have authoritarian governments, and enjoy close personal and political ties between the ruling party, military, and intelligence services. Hence, China and Iran have been very effective at working together regionally, and have displayed a willingness to put aside their differences in the face of a common adversary. This makes them both difficult enemies to work with, but a formidable strategic partnership.

Third, the US interjection and nuclear deal connections.
China-Iran alliance has become particularly important as the United States has dramatically increased sanctions against Iran since former President Trump took office. China has consistently opposed these sanctions, arguing that they violate the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the economic sanctions relief deal that was signed between Iran and the P5+1 (United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, and Germany) in 2015. Even though the US has continued to enforce sanctions against Iran, China and Russia have remained committed to the deal.

Fourth, bilateral interests in oil and investment.
China and Iran have signed a large number of energy and infrastructure deals, including a deal to build a railway in Iran. Iran has also become a major source of Chinese oil, with China becoming the biggest buyer of Iranian oil and the second biggest seller to China. Chinese companies have also become major players in the Iranian economy, with the Chinese taking a leading role in the development of the Iranian oil and gas industry.

Considering these factors, the new situations imply Iran’s dedicated support to Beijing and a new collaboration on the globe.

References:
Hu Yuwei and Bai Yunyi, “Joint Iranian and Chinese efforts to preserve territorial integrity, sovereignty and self-governance: Ambassador,” Global Times, 10 February 2022
William Figueroa, “China and Iran Since the 25-Year Agreement: The Limits of Cooperation,” The Diplomat, 17 January 2022
James Phillips, “Iran Looks East: Building Ties with China,” The Heritage Foundation, 21 December 2021

IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Avishka Ashok

INTERNAL
HKSAR office postpones the election to May amid the COVID-19 surge
On 18 February, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council postponed the election for the chief executive of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stating it as “necessary, sensible and legitimate.” HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced that the election originally scheduled for March will be postponed to May amid the surge in the COVID-19 cases. According to the statement, President Xi Jinping is deeply concerned regarding the safety and health of the Hong Kong compatriots. The office added that “the strong leadership of the central government and the full support from people all over the country, the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong society will stay united and win the battle against COVID-19 very soon.” (“HKSAR chief executive election postponement necessary, sensible, legitimate: mainland,” Xinhua Net, 18 February 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Chinese President sends congratulatory message to Argentine President
On 19 February, Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Argentine counterpart Alberto Fernandez celebrating the 50th anniversary of the China-Argentina diplomatic relations. President Xi noted “writing a new chapter in the China-Argentina friendship,” reported Xinhua. Xi stressed working with President Fernandez and developing the bilateral relations to a new level. He further added that the exchanges in the field of culture, science, and technology have brought the economy of China and Argentina closer. (“Chinese, Argentine presidents exchange congratulations on 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties,” Xinhua Net, 19 February 2022)

South Korea accuses China of unfairly disqualifying its players in the Winter Olympics
On 18 February, The Strait Times published an article which explored South Korea’s current sentiments for China. The article explains that intense competition in the Beijing Olympics has extended to public life as many politicians, scholars and citizens criticize China. The anger is rooted at unfair disqualification of two South Korean speedskaters and disguising a traditional Korean costume as Chinese in the opening ceremony. Local media in the country reported continuously over the distrust and frustrations with China. (Chang May Choon, “Anti-China sentiment runs high in South Korea during Beijing Winter Olympics,” The Straits Times, 18 February 2022)

President Xi expresses sympathy to the Brazilian President regarding heavy rains in Rio de Janerio
On 18 February, Xinhua reported that President Xi Jinping sent a message of sympathy to Brazilian President Jair Bolsnaro over the casualties caused by heavy rainfall in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Xi expressed his sympathy to the family members of the victims and the missing people in the disaster-hit region. (“Xi extends condolences to Brazilian president over heavy rains disaster,” Xinhua Net, 18 February 2022)

China condones the "coercive diplomacy" of the US in Nepal 
On 18 February, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated in a press conference that China is opposed to the “coercive diplomacy” that the US is employing by endorsing Millennium Challenge Corporation in Nepal. MCC is a 2017 deal between the US and Nepal to improve electric and road facilities for good connectivity within the country. However, political parties in Nepal are divided over the deal and many protests and rallies have opposed the same. China discourages such acts by the US which misguide and coerce countries into agreements. (“China opposes ‘coercive diplomacy’ of US in pushing MCC compact in Nepal,” Global Times, 18 February 2022)

Tunisia signs four-year implementation plan for cultural cooperation with China
On 18 February, Tunisia signed a four-year implementation plan with China to promote cultural cooperation in the fields of cinema and cultural digitization. Tunisian Culture Minister Hayet Guermazi said: “Tunisia will work in cooperation with China to organize the first Chinese-Tunisian film festival,” during the signing ceremony of the Tunisia-China Cultural Cooperation Protocol 2021-24 Executive Program. Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia Zhang Jianguo stated, “Culture is the foundation of any tie, whether it is political, social, economic or even strategic.” She quoted the protocol “will help us, together, to promote Tunisian-Chinese cooperation in the cultural field to generalize to other sectors.” (“Tunisia, China sign 4-year implementation plan for cultural cooperation,” Xinhua Net, 19 February 2022)